THE ANATOMY OF PEACE Resolving the Heart of Conflict

When Lou Herbert enrolls his son in a program to treat drug addiction, it's Lou who gets a lesson in human behavior. The Arbinger Institute's goal is to spread its message—that self-deception is the root of conflict at all levels—through fiction. Oliver Wyman creates characters well, while giving the parable a broad reading that makes its points obvious. Listeners who are curious about the Institute's efforts to promote peace will be interested and engaged, although covering "all aspects of life" within a group discussion setting makes for less believable discourse. Even so, listeners could pick up a few pointers about human nature and how conflict grows and spreads, whether between people or between nations. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2008, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2008]