Prayers From The Ark

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30146, 1 June 1963, Page 3

Prayers From The Ark

Prayers From The Ark. By Carmen Bernos dcGasztold. Macmillan. 71 pp. Illustrated. The poet, Carmen Bernos deGasztold, lives in a French convent. Her life, which is described by the translator. Rumer Godden, has been one of much hardship. She was nursed during a serious illness by the Benedictine nuns and the convent became her home. From the convent come these prayers. The poet takes the animals in the Ark and in fancy and with felicity she records the prayers they might have said. Nothing like this has been seen in our generation It is impossible to read them without being moved and delighted. The book opens with a

prayer of Noah. “Lord, what a menagerie! Between your downpour and these animal cries one cannot hear oneself think.” The dog prays, “Lord, I keep watch. If I am not there who will guard their house?” Even the goldfish has something to say, “Lord, deliver me from the cramp of this water.” The donkey’s prayer is pathetic and ends with the words “Lord, one day let me find again my little brother of the Christmas Crib." These prayers revealing the insight, poignancy and hope of the animal members of the earthly family. The prayers are beautifully illustrated by Jean Primrose. The production of this book of charm and insight and beauty is worthy of the theme.