Thursday, October 15, 2015

Book Review: A Shining Example

I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Handlebar.

Author Elizabeth Goudge pens My God and My All: The Life of Saint Francis of Assisi with her own flair giving life within historical context. Saint Francis was a man of great character, but certainly had his share of human flaws. I appreciated Goudge did not try to sugarcoat or whitewash any facet of this man. Fascinated with the life of this saint Goudge draws on her storytelling skills which makes this for an enjoyable read.

Most impressive is the sheer magnitude of color she lends to the life of Saint Francis. The reader steps back in time to the 12th century meandering down the paths of Assisi. Although this is a biographical work it almost reads as fiction. The reader walks beside Saint Francis as he establishes the Franciscan Order. The leaves on the trees dance, the sky is painted and the characters come alive with such clarity and beauty that I was left awestruck and in deep reflection.

I was left with such an indelible impression of this man that lived with tenacious conviction and ardent passion for his God I can only hope I emulate him in a small manner. In today's culture of self-promotion, Goudge has gifted us with a book for all ages of a man whom sacrificed everything for his one love so long ago. We all can learn, whether Catholic or not, another way to live, to live a life which exudes love, a life lived beyond ourselves.

Any reader whom appreciates a lovely read and has a love for God can glean something from this work. My God and My All does have a few passages I found pedantic, but overall is quite a classic in its own right.