I recently read Terry
Waite’s book “Solitude”, which I found to be a fascinating reflection on the
subject. In many ways, the book is rooted in his own experience of captivity,
much of which was spent in isolation. It is therefore not surprising that the
book describes something of a mix of the challenges and the benefits of
solitude. Waite engages with an interesting range of people, describing and
reflecting on their experiences. He clearly indicates the value of solitude, but
that goes alongside some of the difficulties that it can create. The book is
effectively a selection of interviews in which he engages with people who have
a strong element of solitude in their lives. Mostly, as with those he
encounters in the Australian outback, choice has played a strong part in their
engagement with solitude. However, for others, like those in government secret
services, there is a stronger element of it being imposed. I really enjoyed the
book, and was particularly reminded of the need to find space.
