Reviews
Praise for Searching for Hassan "Astonishing and deeply poignant." - The Washington Post "Quixotic, colorful and amusing. . . . An unexpected ode to Iran." - The New York Times Book Review "Informative and touching . . . provides a marvelously nuanced portrait of Iran." -Francine Prose, Elle "Ward describes a more intricate image of a nation caught in a tug of war with itself. . . . He shows the country in all its complexity." - Los Angeles Times "[A] nostalgic, sometimes harrowing pilgrimage." - The New Yorker "A wonderfully tactile, rich book . . . written from the right place (the heart), and with the right kind of search in mind (the search for grace)." - Esquire "Ward's sympathetic and humane portrayals of everyday Iranians can help us transcend today's policy papers and State Department briefings in order to find commonalities." - USA Today " Searching for Hassan should be required reading for US foreign policy makers." - BookPage "Ward hooks the reader with his unique past and observant eye." - Detroit Free Press "A powerful memoir that plumbs the depths of Iranian culture and tradition. . . . A memorable journey." - Library Journal, "This is a story of grace! Terence Ward's powerful, moving narrative interweaves Caravaggio's life story with those of people in contemporary Naples whose lives are transformed by the power of art--and mercy." --Elaine Pagels, Harrington Professor of Religion, Princeton University "Ward's work offers a refreshing look at a once-forgotten--but now much-celebrated--artistic genius. The author also reveals the subtle and profound ways in which art and life interact. Fascinating reading about a significant artistic figure and his legacy." - Kirkus Praise for Searching for Hassan "Astonishing and deeply poignant." - The Washington Post "Quixotic, colorful and amusing. . . . An unexpected ode to Iran." - The New York Times Book Review "Informative and touching . . . provides a marvelously nuanced portrait of Iran." -Francine Prose, Elle "Ward describes a more intricate image of a nation caught in a tug of war with itself. . . . He shows the country in all its complexity." - Los Angeles Times "[A] nostalgic, sometimes harrowing pilgrimage." - The New Yorker "A wonderfully tactile, rich book . . . written from the right place (the heart), and with the right kind of search in mind (the search for grace)." - Esquire "Ward's sympathetic and humane portrayals of everyday Iranians can help us transcend today's policy papers and State Department briefings in order to find commonalities." - USA Today " Searching for Hassan should be required reading for US foreign policy makers." - BookPage "Ward hooks the reader with his unique past and observant eye." - Detroit Free Press "A powerful memoir that plumbs the depths of Iranian culture and tradition. . . . A memorable journey." - Library Journal, "This is a story of grace! Terence Ward's powerful, moving narrative interweaves Caravaggio's life story with those of people in contemporary Naples whose lives are transformed by the power of art--and mercy." --Elaine Pagels, Harrington Professor of Religion, Princeton University Praise for Searching for Hassan "Astonishing and deeply poignant." - The Washington Post "Quixotic, colorful and amusing. . . . An unexpected ode to Iran." - The New York Times Book Review "Informative and touching . . . provides a marvelously nuanced portrait of Iran." -Francine Prose, Elle "Ward describes a more intricate image of a nation caught in a tug of war with itself. . . . He shows the country in all its complexity." - Los Angeles Times "[A] nostalgic, sometimes harrowing pilgrimage." - The New Yorker "A wonderfully tactile, rich book . . . written from the right place (the heart), and with the right kind of search in mind (the search for grace)." - Esquire "Ward's sympathetic and humane portrayals of everyday Iranians can help us transcend today's policy papers and State Department briefings in order to find commonalities." - USA Today " Searching for Hassan should be required reading for US foreign policy makers." - BookPage "Ward hooks the reader with his unique past and observant eye." - Detroit Free Press "A powerful memoir that plumbs the depths of Iranian culture and tradition. . . . A memorable journey." - Library Journal, Praise for Searching for Hassan Astonishing and deeply poignant." – The Washington Post Quixotic, colorful and amusing. . . . An unexpected ode to Iran." – The New York Times Book Review Informative and touching . . . provides a marvelously nuanced portrait of Iran." –Francine Prose, Elle Ward describes a more intricate image of a nation caught in a tug of war with itself. . . . He shows the country in all its complexity." – Los Angeles Times [A] nostalgic, sometimes harrowing pilgrimage." – The New Yorker A wonderfully tactile, rich book . . . written from the right place (the heart), and with the right kind of search in mind (the search for grace)." – Esquire Ward's sympathetic and humane portrayals of everyday Iranians can help us transcend today's policy papers and State Department briefings in order to find commonalities." – USA Today Searching for Hassan should be required reading for US foreign policy makers." – BookPage Ward hooks the reader with his unique past and observant eye." – Detroit Free Press A powerful memoir that plumbs the depths of Iranian culture and tradition. . . . A memorable journey." – Library Journal, "This is a story of grace! Terence Ward's powerful, moving narrative interweaves Caravaggio's life story with those of people in contemporary Naples whose lives are transformed by the power of art--and mercy." --Elaine Pagels, Harrington Professor of Religion, Princeton University "Ward's work offers a refreshing look at a once-forgotten--but now much-celebrated--artistic genius. The author also reveals the subtle and profound ways in which art and life interact. Fascinating reading about a significant artistic figure and his legacy." -- Kirkus "Strangely compelling . . . a charming departure from the typical narrative of art history. . . . Ward weaves the story of Caravaggio--who was accused of several counts of murder and condemned to a death sentence by the pope, and who eventually died a mysterious, lonely death--with the contemporary story of a guard . . . stationed at Pio Monte della Misericordia."- Publishers Weekly Praise for Searching for Hassan "Astonishing and deeply poignant." - The Washington Post "Quixotic, colorful and amusing. . . . An unexpected ode to Iran." - The New York Times Book Review "Informative and touching . . . provides a marvelously nuanced portrait of Iran." -Francine Prose, Elle "Ward describes a more intricate image of a nation caught in a tug of war with itself. . . . He shows the country in all its complexity." - Los Angeles Times "[A] nostalgic, sometimes harrowing pilgrimage." - The New Yorker "A wonderfully tactile, rich book . . . written from the right place (the heart), and with the right kind of search in mind (the search for grace)." - Esquire "Ward's sympathetic and humane portrayals of everyday Iranians can help us transcend today's policy papers and State Department briefings in order to find commonalities." - USA Today " Searching for Hassan should be required reading for US foreign policy makers." - BookPage "Ward hooks the reader with his unique past and observant eye." - Detroit Free Press "A powerful memoir that plumbs the depths of Iranian culture and tradition. . . . A memorable journey." - Library Journal, "The author provides a rich tapestry that intricately weaves the story of an iconic painter and his influence on the viewer." -- San Francisco Book Review Anyone interested in art and its power to change lives will appreciate this thoughtful work."- Booklist "Ward's work offers a refreshing look at a once-forgotten--but now much-celebrated--artistic genius. The author also reveals the subtle and profound ways in which art and life interact. Fascinating reading about a significant artistic figure and his legacy." -- Kirkus "Strangely compelling . . . a charming departure from the typical narrative of art history. . . . Ward weaves the story of Caravaggio--who was accused of several counts of murder and condemned to a death sentence by the pope, and who eventually died a mysterious, lonely death--with the contemporary story of a guard . . . stationed at Pio Monte della Misericordia."- Publishers Weekly "This is a story of grace! Terence Ward's powerful, moving narrative interweaves Caravaggio's life story with those of people in contemporary Naples whose lives are transformed by the power of art--and mercy." --Elaine Pagels, Harrington Professor of Religion, Princeton University Praise for Searching for Hassan "Astonishing and deeply poignant." - The Washington Post "Quixotic, colorful and amusing. . . . An unexpected ode to Iran." - The New York Times Book Review "Informative and touching . . . provides a marvelously nuanced portrait of Iran." -Francine Prose, Elle "Ward describes a more intricate image of a nation caught in a tug of war with itself. . . . He shows the country in all its complexity." - Los Angeles Times "[A] nostalgic, sometimes harrowing pilgrimage." - The New Yorker "A wonderfully tactile, rich book . . . written from the right place (the heart), and with the right kind of search in mind (the search for grace)." - Esquire "Ward's sympathetic and humane portrayals of everyday Iranians can help us transcend today's policy papers and State Department briefings in order to find commonalities." - USA Today " Searching for Hassan should be required reading for US foreign policy makers." - BookPage "Ward hooks the reader with his unique past and observant eye." - Detroit Free Press "A powerful memoir that plumbs the depths of Iranian culture and tradition. . . . A memorable journey." - Library Journal, "The author provides a rich tapestry that intricately weaves the story of an iconic painter and his influence on the viewer."-- San Francisco Chronicle "The Guardian of Mercy is just superb. And bold. I can't think of a book quite like it. Just brilliant.--Pete Hamill, author of Forever , Snow in August , A Drinking Life , Tabloid City "I was stunned by Ward's account. This book does everything art writing should do. I am pleased beyond envy." --David Carrier, author of Proust/Warhol: Analytical Philosophy of Art and A World Art History and its Objects "Ecstatic and soul-searching. Written with grace, with almost every sentence imparting an epiphany. An electrifying reading experience and a wondrous book on Caravaggio . . . Ward challenges us to undertake soul-work, even if one is a secular reader. Here, reading is an act of empathy and potential readers will read the book with passion and compassion, thereby becoming, in the words of Wallace Stevens, "necessary angels."--Pelligrino d'Acierno, Director of Italian Studies and Professor of Comparative Literature, Hofstra University "Ward's work offers a refreshing look at a once-forgotten--but now much-celebrated--artistic genius. The author also reveals the subtle and profound ways in which art and life interact. Fascinating reading about a significant artistic figure and his legacy."-- Kirkus "Strangely compelling . . . a charming departure from the typical narrative of art history. . . . Ward weaves the story of Caravaggio--who was accused of several counts of murder and condemned to a death sentence by the pope, and who eventually died a mysterious, lonely death--with the contemporary story of a guard . . . stationed at Pio Monte della Misericordia."-- Publishers Weekly "Anyone interested in art and its power to change lives will appreciate this thoughtful work."- Booklist "This is a story of grace! Terence Ward's powerful, moving narrative interweaves Caravaggio's life story with those of people in contemporary Naples whose lives are transformed by the power of art--and mercy."-- Elaine Pagels, Harrington Professor of Religion, Princeton University Praise for Searching for Hassan "Astonishing and deeply poignant." -- The Washington Post "Quixotic, colorful and amusing. . . . An unexpected ode to Iran." -- The New York Times Book Review "Informative and touching . . . provides a marvelously nuanced portrait of Iran." -- Francine Prose, Elle "Ward describes a more intricate image of a nation caught in a tug of war with itself. . . . He shows the country in all its complexity." -- Los Angeles Times "[A] nostalgic, sometimes harrowing pilgrimage." -- The New Yorker "A wonderfully tactile, rich book . . . written from the right place (the heart), and with the right kind of search in mind (the search for grace)." -- Esquire "Ward's sympathetic and humane portrayals of everyday Iranians can help us transcend today's policy papers and State Department briefings in order to find commonalities." -- USA Today Searching for Hassan should be required reading for US foreign policy makers." -- BookPage "Ward hooks the reader with his unique past and observant eye." -- Detroit Free Press "A powerful memoir that plumbs the depths of Iranian culture and tradition. . . . A memorable journey." -- Library Journal, "This is a story of grace! Terence Ward's powerful, moving narrative interweaves Caravaggio's life story with those of people in contemporary Naples whose lives are transformed by the power of art--and mercy." --Elaine Pagels, Harrington Professor of Religion, Princeton University "Ward's work offers a refreshing look at a once-forgotten--but now much-celebrated--artistic genius. The author also reveals the subtle and profound ways in which art and life interact. Fascinating reading about a significant artistic figure and his legacy." -- Kirkus "Compelling and educational--a charming departure from the typical narrative of art history." -- Publishers Weekly Praise for Searching for Hassan "Astonishing and deeply poignant." - The Washington Post "Quixotic, colorful and amusing. . . . An unexpected ode to Iran." - The New York Times Book Review "Informative and touching . . . provides a marvelously nuanced portrait of Iran." -Francine Prose, Elle "Ward describes a more intricate image of a nation caught in a tug of war with itself. . . . He shows the country in all its complexity." - Los Angeles Times "[A] nostalgic, sometimes harrowing pilgrimage." - The New Yorker "A wonderfully tactile, rich book . . . written from the right place (the heart), and with the right kind of search in mind (the search for grace)." - Esquire "Ward's sympathetic and humane portrayals of everyday Iranians can help us transcend today's policy papers and State Department briefings in order to find commonalities." - USA Today " Searching for Hassan should be required reading for US foreign policy makers." - BookPage "Ward hooks the reader with his unique past and observant eye." - Detroit Free Press "A powerful memoir that plumbs the depths of Iranian culture and tradition. . . . A memorable journey." - Library Journal, "The author provides a rich tapestry that intricately weaves the story of an iconic painter and his influence on the viewer." -- San Francisco Chronicle " The Guardian of Mercy is just superb. And bold. I can't think of a book quite like it. Just brilliant." --Pete Hamill, author of Forever , Snow in August , A Drinking Life , Tabloid City "I was stunned by Ward's account. This book does everything art writing should do. I am pleased beyond envy." --David Carrier, author of Proust/Warhol: Analytical Philosophy of Art and A World Art History and its Objects "Ecstatic and soul-searching. Written with grace, with almost every sentence imparting an epiphany. An electrifying reading experience and a wondrous book on Caravaggio . . . Ward challenges us to undertake soul-work, even if one is a secular reader. Here, reading is an act of empathy and potential readers will read the book with passion and compassion, thereby becoming, in the words of Wallace Stevens, 'necessary angels'." --Pelligrino d'Acierno, Director of Italian Studies and Professor of Comparative Literature, Hofstra University "Ward's work offers a refreshing look at a once-forgotten--but now much-celebrated--artistic genius. The author also reveals the subtle and profound ways in which art and life interact. Fascinating reading about a significant artistic figure and his legacy." - Kirkus "Strangely compelling . . . a charming departure from the typical narrative of art history. . . . Ward weaves the story of Caravaggio--who was accused of several counts of murder and condemned to a death sentence by the pope, and who eventually died a mysterious, lonely death--with the contemporary story of a guard . . . stationed at Pio Monte della Misericordia."- Publishers Weekly "Anyone interested in art and its power to change lives will appreciate this thoughtful work."- Booklist "This is a story of grace! Terence Ward's powerful, moving narrative interweaves Caravaggio's life story with those of people in contemporary Naples whose lives are transformed by the power of art--and mercy." --Elaine Pagels, Harrington Professor of Religion, Princeton University Praise for Searching for Hassan "Astonishing and deeply poignant." - The Washington Post "Quixotic, colorful and amusing. . . . An unexpected ode to Iran." - The New York Times Book Review "Informative and touching . . . provides a marvelously nuanced portrait of Iran." -Francine Prose, Elle "Ward describes a more intricate image of a nation caught in a tug of war with itself. . . . He shows the country in all its complexity." - Los Angeles Times "[A] nostalgic, sometimes harrowing pilgrimage." - The New Yorker "A wonderfully tactile, rich book . . . written from the right place (the heart), and with the right kind of search in mind (the search for grace)." - Esquire "Ward's sympathetic and humane portrayals of everyday Iranians can help us transcend today's policy papers and State Department briefings in order to find commonalities." - USA Today " Searching for Hassan should be required reading for US foreign policy makers." - BookPage "Ward hooks the reader with his unique past and observant eye." - Detroit Free Press "A powerful memoir that plumbs the depths of Iranian culture and tradition. . . . A memorable journey." - Library Journal, "Anyone interested in art and its power to change lives will appreciate this thoughtful work."- Booklist "Ward's work offers a refreshing look at a once-forgotten--but now much-celebrated--artistic genius. The author also reveals the subtle and profound ways in which art and life interact. Fascinating reading about a significant artistic figure and his legacy." -- Kirkus "Strangely compelling . . . a charming departure from the typical narrative of art history. . . . Ward weaves the story of Caravaggio--who was accused of several counts of murder and condemned to a death sentence by the pope, and who eventually died a mysterious, lonely death--with the contemporary story of a guard . . . stationed at Pio Monte della Misericordia."- Publishers Weekly "This is a story of grace! Terence Ward's powerful, moving narrative interweaves Caravaggio's life story with those of people in contemporary Naples whose lives are transformed by the power of art--and mercy." --Elaine Pagels, Harrington Professor of Religion, Princeton University Praise for Searching for Hassan "Astonishing and deeply poignant." - The Washington Post "Quixotic, colorful and amusing. . . . An unexpected ode to Iran." - The New York Times Book Review "Informative and touching . . . provides a marvelously nuanced portrait of Iran." -Francine Prose, Elle "Ward describes a more intricate image of a nation caught in a tug of war with itself. . . . He shows the country in all its complexity." - Los Angeles Times "[A] nostalgic, sometimes harrowing pilgrimage." - The New Yorker "A wonderfully tactile, rich book . . . written from the right place (the heart), and with the right kind of search in mind (the search for grace)." - Esquire "Ward's sympathetic and humane portrayals of everyday Iranians can help us transcend today's policy papers and State Department briefings in order to find commonalities." - USA Today " Searching for Hassan should be required reading for US foreign policy makers." - BookPage "Ward hooks the reader with his unique past and observant eye." - Detroit Free Press "A powerful memoir that plumbs the depths of Iranian culture and tradition. . . . A memorable journey." - Library Journal