Katie's Book Corner: Story of a Soul: The Life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux

Years ago whilst I was becoming Catholic, a former tutor of mine sent me a book called "Story of a Soul: The Life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux". As I learned about the saints, I remember Saint Thérèse mainly due to her fascination with Saint Joan of Arc, of whom, the latter became my Patron Saint. The book was always on my list of something to read, but I guess Saint Thérèse wanted me to listen to her words more recently. The following will be my first entry into "Katie's Book Corner", a review of "Story of a Soul: The Life of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux".

In this immensely captivating autobiography, Saint Thérèse of Lisieux takes the reader on her life's path from a little girl with a big dream to a humble and selfless Carmelite nun. Throughout the autobiography, Saint Thérèse is open and honest about the struggles she went through including mental hardships, overcoming temptation, and defying those who did not believe her holy call to become a nun. Born on January 2, 1873, to Louis Martin and Marie-Azélie "ZélieGuérin Martin. The couple had nine children in total, but only five daughters would live past childhood
. Growing up, Thérèse was given a devout Catholic education and was given a call to the convent life at an early age. As mentioned throughout her autobiography, Thérèse goes into great detail describing her childhood and famous "conversion" on Christmas Eve in 1886. Throughout her autobiography, Thérèse shared very human stories from her childhood, which were both moving and relatable to the reader. 

As the book continues, Saint Thérèse described her earnest meeting with Pope Leo XIII and constant drive to become a Carmelite at the tender age of 15. Upon joining the sisterhood, Thérèse would find the peace she had yearned for, yet continue to struggle with ill health and hardships. Thérèse would take these sufferings and turn them into joy through her selfless works. Her beloved admiration for Saint Joan of Arc and love for roses became a fond underpinning in the many facets that built Thérèse into the incredible young woman she was. In her writings we learn firsthand the process she went through: "God was able in a very short time to extricate me from the very narrow circle in which I was turning without knowing how to come out. When seeing the road He made me travel, my gratitude was great; but I must admit, if the biggest step was taken, there still remained many things for me to leave behind. Freed from its scruples and its excessive sensitiveness, my mind developed." ("Story of a Soul", page 101). 

As a woman reading this autobiography, the references and words Thérèse uses are very relatable and empowering, especially given the fruitful knowledge of the Gospels and Christology that this Carmelite knew from her heart. When she was called home to Heaven on September 30, 1897, at the young age of 24, Saint Thérèse left behind a fountain of information and the rule of life that would be followed for years to come. To this day, the autobiography of Saint Thérèse has sold millions of copies, as it not only describes the first-hand account of the life and family of Thérèse but also her spiritual impact on the Roman Catholic Church and examples of how she eventually became a Doctor of the Catholic Church in the modern era. In regard to the latter, Thérèse spoke profoundly about the changing world around her, and how it was important to never lose sight of her ultimate goal. For example, "We are living now in an age of inventions, and we no longer have to take the trouble of climbing stairs, for, in the homes of the rich, an elevator has replaced these very successfully. I wanted to find an elevator which would raise me to Jesus, for I am too small to climb the rough stairway of perfection." ("Story of a Soul", page 207). With great sayings and metaphors, I found Thérèse's way of communicating to her reader to be humble and understandable. 

I thought this autobiography was a splendid read, especially for those interested in the lives of Saints and inspiring women in history. This autobiography made me fall deeper in love with the "Little Flower" and the faithful determination she carried throughout her life. The life this lovely Carmelite led gave me motivation as a woman in the 21st century and the humble, faithful qualities I could imitate. As she wrote best: "My dear Mother, I am the brush that Jesus has chosen in order to paint His own image in the souls you entrusted to my care." ("Story of a Soul", page 253). I hope anyone reading this review gives this autobiography a read, and learns some knowledge about the Carmelite who, like a rose, gave beauty and fragrance in the harsh garden (world) around her. 


"When I die, I will send down a shower of roses from the heavens, I will spend my heaven by doing good on earth." - Saint Thérèse of Lisieux 



As a side note, a great follow-up read to "Story of a Soul" is "Archbishop Fulton Sheen's Saint Thérèse: A Treasured Love Story". This book reads as if Archbishop Sheen is speaking to the reader and brings an overlay of hope, laughter, and love for Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. Using quotes from her autobiography and life lessons, Archbishop Sheen covers the life of the "Little Flower" with an in-depth and brilliant dialogue. This book is a perfect sequel to "Story of a Soul" and for those who want to learn how to encompass the virtues of Saint Thérèse of Lisieux. 

Comments

  1. What a beautiful post. You write so eloquently and with reverence. I hope you can write more blogs on some forgotten Saint's or heroes from era's now sadly gone to yesteryear . Heaven knows of these beautiful souls. You writing about them can bring them back to life with your story telling. 🥰❤👏🏻👏🏻

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