Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Therese of Lisieux (the Little Flower) [The Authorized English Translation of…

My life is at such a remove from Saint Therese de Liseaux. I bought this book simply because I couldn't get it out of my mind. I'm a retired American guy. I've read a fair amount of French history, writing and the like; and perhaps, like some of you, I have had an uncanny attraction, something approaching a bond in the Spirit, with a much earlier heroine and Saint in French history, Iehanne d'Domremy d'Arcy - Joan of Arc. This happened when I was three years old - 64 years ago. I feel that she is with me still. This may not make much sense to many of you, especially as I am not a Roman Catholic and it would take an extraordinary generosity to describe me as a Christian. Nevertheless, over the sturdy decades which have flowed under the bridge, I've met a few others who are so deeply affected by La Pucelle that oftentimes, we break into uncontrollable sobs whenever we give more than a passing thought to her. Joan, like her Master, calls whom she will; and having read this peculiar but exquisitely lovely story, I can see her in hand guiding me to buy it and to read it. Dismiss these words as the fancy of a deluded old man if you will, the opinions of others matter not. But if you have a thirst for knowing what a Saint is like from the inside out, you'll find out in the reading of this book.Again, here in America I am at a far remove from the world of Therese and her world and time. My children grew into adults without and with my guidance, like many American kids, they did more to raise themselves than either their mother or I ever did, and they did a good job, too. Now at the door to middle age, they are, metaphorically speaking, somewhat past that mid-life point that Dante Alighieri described in the first Canto of the 'Inferno' as being "hopelessly lost in a dark wood;" they have their Virgils, as I had mine. But the very idea that either of them would grow up hoping that God would call them into a cloistered life is perhaps the most alien of things about 19th century France. Yet that is the very thing that Therese describes, and describes with an artless simplicity and beauty which made me forget that she was often quoting the Bible, Saint John of the Cross, the Imitation of Christ and other standards of monastic writers. I suppose that it's my good fortune that over the years I have read these works as well. But I hasten to add, that such a reading background as mine is not needed to appreciate her; indeed, in some it might prove a hindrance to seeing her as she shows herself. What is it that I see, then? I see that Therese loved God; and since I am in no position to dispute it, it's evident that God loved her in return.But as I read through the book, there were two photographs on page 44 which made my heart stand still: There is little Therese, dressed in a much earlier period's clothing; at her left, a shield which plainly bears La Pucelle's Fleur-des-Lys; for Saint Therese of Liseaux portrayed Joan in a play which the novices had put on. Think what you will of me. But I see in La Petite Fleur a sister in the entourage of Iehannette, and I have little doubt that we shall meet someday and laugh about all of the divisions of religion that exist here. In hoc signo tansit.

This is a very helpful edition of Therese's story of her life. The notes are very helpful and fill in the details of the 3 installment process that she offered to her sister when asked to record the story of her life. Many of the editions on line are the originally published and highly edited version that her sister released early in the 20th century. Clarke does a fine job in the translation and gives us a more authentic rendering of the fullness of her story, I find it far more compelling than the earlier rendition. A must read for fans of Carmelite spirituality, those who want to familiarize themselves with the doctors of the church, or "the Little Way." As spiritual reading goes Therese is easier than Teresa of Avila. Some may find her attitudes and the graces that she experienced so early on to feel saccharine, I know I did on my first reading of the work 10 years ago. I needed to learn humility of my own and to listen to her story with an open heart rather than a somewhat cynical one. On our journeys all spiritual reading is not equally fruitful at all points along the way, never the less, story of a soul is written in an engaging style and is accessible to a wide range of interests and intellects which isn't always the case when choosing spiritual classics.

This book reads very slowly, at first....which can discourage continuing. But it becomes clear that this is the simplicity of St. Therese's life in faith. It began to draw me in before I realized I was understanding her story, instead of being distracted by the format.I have read this book more than once, and each time I am encouraged. Here is the story of an ordinary person, who lived an extraordinary life in faith. She was not superhuman; had the same difficulties we all do accepting and loving others; she made sainthood attainable.

Where to begin? Never mind. I'll keep it simple. Do yourself a favor and buy this book. Read it multiple times. Read everything you can find on Thérèse. Knowing Thérèse has brought unspeakable graces to my life. Her Little Way, so simple and so beautiful, truly gives direction and meaning to life. Thérèse brings the Gospel into practical everyday application and has a way of speaking to and embracing the deepest recesses of the soul. Whatever your state of life, it has profound significance. YOU are called to participate in God's saving work for souls simply through your everyday life. Thérèse elaborates on how. Do not pass her over. Read this book---it is foundational---and plow through Amazon for the other vast array of works regarding Thérèse, especially any firsthand literature from her or her contemporaries. Study her intensely, embrace her as a spiritual confidante and companion to journey through life with, and you will discover why she is said to be THE GREATEST SAINT OF MODERN TIMES.

Isn't she already one of your favorite saints? This book helps us to live daily submissions of small sacrifices to Jesus, because she shows us how to do it by her daily life. Small sacrifices prepared her for the big ones. Her life is inspiring. Highly recommended.

Reading Therese' words, I felt she was sharing thoughts as though I was one of her sisters; the first-person account made me, and probably other readers, feel very close! Therese tells about being drawn to God, wanting to please Him and her parents and her many brothers and sisters starting when she was very young. I understood how the effort of her parents and her siblings contributed to her powerful formation and her determination. After reading a few pages, I often felt the need to stop and reflect a bit before continuing; wasit because I felt so overwhelmed by her magnificent life? This wonderful soul was so committed to her faith that she was cannonized a Saint and a Doctor of the Catholic Church--all in a life of twenty-four years!

There are some genuinely valuable spiritual insights, especially in manuscripts B and C, but Thérèse's gushing style, all exclamation marks, underlining and capitals, is a bit overheated for modern tastes, making her autobiography (manuscript A) rather tiresome to read. This edition includes a useful introduction, original page references, a helpful chronology and two indices, which makes it good value for money.

A most excellent Read from the pen and the pensil which the teaching of Blessed Saint Therese Little Way to acheive the Kingdom Of Heaven. For anyone and everyone no matter what you do. Who you are or where you are going in Life. Read this and take it all in and it will change your whole outlook on life and acheive for you the impossible dream

This is the official biog and it is the best. But remember Therese, of whom I am a big fan never used 1 word when 20 will do!

One of the best auto biographies of this remarkable saint

Lovely

Would highly recommend this book to anyone!

great book

Excellent Book . Highly recommend seller. Fast delivery. Wii definitely use again.

Good read..

I really inspiring true story helps the soul immensely

Due to the visit, to Great Britain in Oct09, of St. Therese of Lisieux relics I wanted to know more about her and so I bought this book.To be honest I thought this book was superb. It was well written and directly translated from her original writings. There were also a few photos which helped bring the book to life as well as information about her family, births and deaths etc, as well as a chronology of her life containing dates and important events.I read the book within 2 weeks of receiving it and was truly enlighted by it. I now want to go and visit the Carmel in Lisieux as well as her Basilica.Her family life was truly blessed and provides a lesson to us all, in today's world, on the way to live life.I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to learn more about this great modern day saint.

My wife loves this reading material of a wonderful saint.

I love this book!Saint Therese of Lisieux’s autobiography brings light into my life🌸

Amazing and inspirational book about a modern saint.

great read