Review: A family in crisis
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 05 1, 2011
Shared Emptiness is a complex fascinating read about a close knit family in an unanticipated crisis challenging each member and exploring how each copes with the traumatic situation forced on them.  I felt fear and support for the son who is central to the crisis, interest in the perspectives and motivation of the various medical clinicians making decisions and the different ways the family members religious beliefs affect their thinking and their relationships causing them to be pulled in different directions. The perspectives of a bishop and priest who are supporting the family provide interesting perspectives that are insightful and meaningful.  The reader is privy to the son's thoughts and feelings though his ability to communicate with caregivers and family is accomplished in a unique limited way.  The family's struggle is at times intense and then heartwarming as they cope with their feelings supporting each other. It is difficult to see what good will come of this but John Brinling provides the reader with a surprise that brings a positive perspective to a heartbreaking life altering experience for this family.