An American Benedictine monk chronicles the year he lived among the Coptic monks of Egypt, detailing a mysterious, spiritually challenging world saturated in prayer and silence. As one reviewer wrote:
Father Mark's book, Journey Back to Eden: My Life and Times Among the Desert Fathers, is such a compelling page-turner that the reader must remind themselves that they're reading a non-fiction account. Father Mark brings to life the sites and sounds and personalities of an entire subculture which is known by few, but is so worthy of exploration. Co-mingled with his physical journey is the touching depiction of Father Mark's own spiritual journey, which he unselfishly invites the reader to participate. To enjoy this gem of a book, one does not need to be deeply religious, however, the reader should be prepared for a a literary experience that will not easily be forgotten.
The book is thin but filled but draws you into the monastic life of the dessert fathers.