Island of Tears, Island of Hope

In his acclaimed memoir, 'Revolution from the Heart', O'Brien described his personal journey as a priest and the steps that led him to share the struggle - and the fate - of the poor on the island of Negros in the Philippines. In 'Island of Tears, Island of Hope', he wrestles with the form that commitment ought to take.

The desperate plight of Negros's sugar workers cries to heaven for revolutionary change. But what are the appropriate means for Christians? While weighing the church's traditional defense of violence in a just cause, O'Brien outlines a case for active nonviolence. In focusing on the dilemma before him, he speaks to all Christians living in a world of revolution.

'Island of Tears' truly bears the mark of the wisdom of Fr. Niall O'Brien's life experience. . . . Out of the darkest and most depressing situations people are awakened by God to be the witnesses and prophets embracing the nonviolent way that leads from captivity to freedom.

Hildegard Goss-Mayr

With his vision of suffering transformed in 'Island of Tears, Island of Hope', O'Brien offers a way of justice and peace to our whole world of suffering.

Jim Douglass, author, 'The Nonviolent Coming of God'

Niall O'Brien challenges us to take the nonviolence of Jesus seriously . . . He offers us hope, courage, and practical suggestions for living born out of the stories and struggles of real people. Those deeply concerned about injustice and violence will find this book a wellspring of inspiration.

Jack Nelson-Pallmeyer, Community of St. Martin, Minnesota

Niall O'Brien, an Irish-born Columban priest, has spent over twenty years in the Philippines. He was imprisoned and later exiled by the Marcos dictatorship, but has since returned to the Island of Negros.