Through Arid Places

Sister Agathe Deladier has selflessly sought to serve others all her life, yet she has been caught up in two of history's most appalling atrocities. As a young nun, she witnessed the virtual extermination of an entire French village during the Second World War. Later she was again forced to fight for her own survival, this time in the Rwandan genocide, an event with horrific parallels to Nazi brutality. Having come close to death, she tries to make sense of the evil events which play out before her. In doing so she has a profound impact on those with whom she comes into contact, notably Otto Bauer, a disillusioned Nazi soldier who saves her life but who in turn becomes dependant on her for his own survival. When all hope seems lost it is still possible for the most despised to be redeemed. Father Dominic Leseuer has abused young boys for years, stolen from his parishioners and ridiculed the faithful. Yet, in an act of supreme courage he is able to rediscover his former upright and idealistic self. However, others find that revenge is the only antidote to brutality.
Samuel Karamira, trying to cope with the death of his son and his own life-threatening injuries, can only find satisfaction through the pursuit of his tormentor. In doing so he perpetuates the very hatred that has wrecked his life and those of thousands of others. In exploring the reactions of those caught up in these most visceral experiences, Through Arid Places glimpses the cosmic spiritual struggle being played out on earth and, in a surprising twist, reveals the motivation of Agathe Deladier in trying to make good come out of the most unspeakable evil.