Between the Monster and the Saint

Being human isn't easy. We might think that consciousness and free-will give us control over our lives but our minds are dangerous and unpredictable places. We are susceptible to forces we don't understand. We are capable of inflicting immense cruelty on one another - violence, torture and rape - and yet we also have the capacity to be tender, to empathize, to feel. In his thought-provoking new book Richard Holloway holds a mirror up to the human condition. The reflection isn't always pretty. But, by drawing on a colorful and eclectic selection of writings from history, philosophy, science, poetry, theology and literature, Holloway shows us how we can stand up to the seductive power of the monster and draw closer to the fierce challenge of the saint.