The Middle Passage: From Misery to Meaning in Mid-Life (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts) Paperback – 1 Feb. 1993

Thin book but very, very thought provoking. I'm not a psychologist or well read in the subject but picked this book up on someone else's recommendation. I'm of a certain age and pondering a lot of things over this last year. If you're expecting a self help with a step by step 'how to' guiide - you'll be disappointed but if you want something that makes you think about your feelings / life / where you are going and why then this is it. I've read it in several snippets throughout the past few days and have still not processed it all yet. For Hollis the midddle passage is all about 'becoming' the person you need to be for you and not for anyone else- and not feeling guilty over that growth. Affirming the midlife 'crisis', Hollis sees it as an opportunity for growth. Well written without too much psychological 'jargon' but its a book that needs you to be focused on it while reading.

I wish I'd read this book before having a mid-life crisis, it would have explained so much. The trouble is that no one ever reads books like these before the worst has happened. Maybe doctors should give us a copy on our 49th birthday with the warning 'Keep it safe - you'll be needing this before too long.' This would save a lot of heartache and a great deal of money.Unfortunately doctors don't do that, so misguided idiots desperately try to recapture their lost youth by embarking on affairs, getting divorced, buying sports cars and having plastic surgery. This book is certainly worth reading before you resort to all that and is considerably cheaper. If it fails to prevent your life imploding, at least you'll have the satisfaction of knowing why it's happening.

Wow , anyone in or approaching Middle age needs to read this book, it is psychoanalytical and Jungian . It will turn you upside down and inside out

Book is actually shorter than I expected but has some really useful points to make. The text is quite small and could easily have been better sized and spaced given that the book is thin but a minor point really for an important read.

Ok, so the title isn't the most eye catching but this book does what it say on the tin. This is the most fascinating and helpful book I've read in a long time... and I've read a lot of books.It is clear, easily understandable and both mind and life changing, a viewpoint shared by my sister who is just reading it for the second time in a month.

James Hollis is a pithy writer but the books are short and not rambling like so many can be. This book gave me into how we develop (or I developed) from acceptance to questioning to revolt and then acceptance again with new goals. at a time in life when I felt I needed some guidance. Depending on your own attitude towards this book, it could help you become unstuck from your past and move onto new ways of being in your life from ages I think of 30-50

Beautifully written. So much to digest. Challenging and thought provoking. Good to know I am not alone on this difficult journey through mid-life.

Didn't enjoy this as much as some of his other books he has written .