HOPE IS AN ARROW

A profile of the author of The Prophet, incorporating atmospheric images and phrases from his writings.

In retracing the events of their subject’s life, McCarthy focuses on two themes: the experience of growing up in two countries and Gibran’s “secret hope” that through his art and words he would someday have a gift to give to the world. Born Gibran Khalil Gibran in Lebanon to the Maronite faith, he fled sectarian strife as a child to Boston, where his name was shortened. He was sent back to Lebanon to finish his education and meditate among the cedars and then wound up in New York (“the electric shining heart of America”), where, McCarthy writes, he painted and composed poems intended “to connect the people of Lebanon” and “help Americans come together in celebration of their many differences.” His paintings and drawings, which ran to nudes, get little scrutiny here, but that inner dream was realized in a short but powerful book that has brought generations of readers “straight to the heart of hope.” Appended source notes in smaller type add both psychological insight, with mention of his “existential depression” and emotionally abusive father, and biographical detail. Incorporating snippets of patterned and printed papers into stunning painted collage illustrations, Holmes creates images of dignified figures of various ages, mostly people of color, placed in diverse settings rich in hues that underscore the overall intensity of feeling. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

A reverent invitation to an enduring classic for new audiences.