Those who have read (or are reading) Thursday’s Lotus have been very positive in their response. Here are a few review extracts.
This book is of interest as the fully documented biography of a fascinating and talented woman who assisted, in her own time and her own ways, in the globalization of Buddhism. It will also be a resource for those who are interested in the story of the western reception of Buddhism. Through it we read a part of that story from the inside, though less as a reception and more from the perspective of giving.
Prof. Michael Pye – The Eastern Buddhist Vol. 47 No. 1, pp. 123-4
The book has been a complete joy for me. Not only has Paul captured the life and spirit of Fuengsin, it is doubly enjoyable for me as it took me back to the Worcestershire of my childhood … where Fuengsin and I both lived…
In this, the first biography of her, we find out about the range and ability of this remarkable woman. Buddhism, like Christianity (or psychotherapy for that matter) is sometimes riven with disagreements and arguments between the different schools or ‘vehicles’. One of Fuengsin’s most endearing qualities was her ability to transcend these divisions. For her the Buddha (and Buddhism) was greater than any particular sect and in her teachings she often went to the heart of the matter.
Prof. Peter Tyler — Fuengsin Trafford (1936 – 1995) – Pioneer of Buddhist-Christian Dialogue
This is an inspiring and very well written book about a remarkable lady, Fuengsin Trafford (née Sarayutpitag). I am much the same age as she was and share her concern for interfaith friendship – our paths must have crossed. The book, which gives a good picture of life in Britain in the second half of the last century, revived many memories and made me more aware how much has changed. It shows the difficulties a person from another country has to overcome in adapting to life in Britain, which she did so well and made a real contribution to life in Britain. The book has also given me new insights into Buddhism.
Rev. Dr. Marcus Braybrooke – Review on Amazon