The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning in Midlife

Is it a bit dry and academic? Sure. But it's also meticulously written and edited insight, drawing from psychology, philosophers, literature and more about the basic structure of life and the human experience at its midpoint. This book does have a heroes-journey type "maleness" to it, but Emma in Madame Bovary is one of the best examples he cites. I really do think the quality of insight he gives, some of it broad advice, to be empowering. He is so right that so many of the problems in midlife stem from earlier in childhood, and come as the ego projection of youth starts to crumble. There are themes and ideas here we should all be wise to, male and female. I think we can become better friends, citizens, coworkers, parents, spouses, and individuals. Excellent work!

This reading of James Hollis' short, superb book is one of the best works on midlife that I've encountered. Hollis is NOT offering simple answers or formulas; instead, he's making clear just how difficult but rewarding the Middle Passage (as he names it) can be. I especially appreciate his oft-repeated dictum that the goal of life isn't Happiness so much as it is Meaning. Isn't this perpetual struggle to find and grasp an elusive happiness precisely what gets so many of us tied up in knots? His insistence that we must be willing to go into our own dark places, that we must be willing to acknowledge and discard our illusions, is far better advice than most of the Self-Help industry offers ... and far more helpful.This book of inner treasure provokes thought and reflection; this fine reading by the author emphasizes the insight and warmth that he offers as a counselor and guide. Hs work gave me vital understanding during my own midlife years, when one unexpected crisis after another came in swift succession. And even some 20 years after, I still return to it for greater understanding. Most highly recommended!

This book has been so helpful to me and is better than any Christian book that I have ever read on dealing with your problems or hang ups. It’s incredibly insightful and at times a painful look at yourself. I couldn’t disagree more with the two people who gave it a negative review. Don’t let yourself be led away from reading this book. I want to give copies of it to everyone I know. It’s especially helpful for married couples. It’s a must read!

The Middle Passage had a profound affect on me. I have given this book as a gift many times because it is so well written and pulls back the layers of midlife experience in an insightful way. I think I underlined most of the pages! Finding meaning in life is what we all pursue at some point, this is a beautiful read that gives food for thought. “The paradox of individuation is that we best serve intimate relationship by becoming sufficiently developed in ourselves that we do not need to feed off others.”― James Hollis, The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning in Midlife

A deeply profound and wonderful book. It will prove to be invaluable for those traveling through the middle passage. It’s the type of book that one can refer back to, and should, for many years to come.

I thought this was going to be an insightful self-help read. Instead, it's more like an archaic textbook. The book is a dry read to say the least. It's also offputting how he talks about the magical thinking of traditional cultures. He doesn't seem to lump Judeo-Christian beliefs in that category. This won't bother everyone, but it bugged me.Ultimately, If you're looking for some help to make the most of your midlife crisis, look elsewhere.