Earthquakes and Gardens: Saint Hilarion's Cyprus

Earthquakes and Gardens is a collection of essays that explore our experience of place and the more-than-human worlds, reimagining religion as a practice that unsettles certainty and develops mutual flourishing.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 19 February 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

In the captivating fourth-century hagiography, "Life of Saint Hilarion," the saint encounters the remnants of an earthquake-ravaged city and a haunting garden in Cyprus. Through the profound lens of Virginia Burrus, these fragmentary passages unfold into a series of captivating meditations on our profound connection with the world around us. Earthquakes and Gardens gracefully weaves together personal experiences and geological wonders, delving into the realms of destruction, resilience, ruination, and resurgence. Burrus' thoughtful exploration encompasses the delicate balance between grief and consolation in times of disaster and loss. At its core, Earthquakes and Gardens challenges the notion of religion as a static belief system and reimagines it as a dynamic practice that fosters mutual flourishing and unsettles certainty. Through her meticulous close readings, Burrus invites us to explore the intricate tapestry of human existence and the profound interconnectedness of all beings. This thought-provoking work encourages us to embrace the complexities of the natural world and cultivate a deeper sense of awe and reverence for the divine.

Weight: 328g
Dimension: 151 x 229 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226824567