This is a Dutch theologian’s spiritual journey contextualized by a Dutch painting. Henri Nouwen did a remarkable job of expanding a still picture and peeling layers and layers of meaning off its surface. However, I did find myself bored at times by the repetitive treatment of the same themes. Also, he apparently overinterpreted certain details both in the Gospels and in the painting. Given the book’s immense popularity, I am a bit disappointed. But - it is still a good book on spirituality and worth reading.