The Story of a Life: St. Theresa of Lisieux

by Guy Gaucher

Book Overview

St. Therese's bestselling autobiography, The Story of a Soul, inspired readers around the world. Now, Father Gaucher, the priest who has devoted himself to telling her story, gives a fresh, complete... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060630965
• ISBN13: 9780060630966
• Release Date: June 1993
• Publisher: HarperOne
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.49 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.5" x 5.3"

Customer Reviews

Still the best

This book was my first encounter with St. Therese, and I still think that it is the best account of her life outside of her own writings. As other reviewers have said, it might be best to read this book before _The Story of a Soul_, as it gives a lot of detail about what else was happening in her life, her family and in the world besides what she herself wrote. (It would also be better to read the version of her autobiography based on her original manuscripts than the standard version, which was sanitized to fit the popular piety of the era, with the best intentions, by her sister Pauline.) Gaucher also uses Therese's own words whenever possible and, as is his stated intention, injects very little of his own opinions and interpretation. On the other hand, his admiration and liking for his subject still comes through in the best possible way, bringing Therese, her family and community to life for those of us who live in a very different world. The book is also enriched by several photographs, most of them taken by Therese's sister Celine, who was an avid amateur photographer.

An outstanding biography. . .

. . .of one of the most popular saints in the Church today. "The Story of a Life" by Guy Gaucher is a well-written, honest, and poignant account of the the life of St. Therese of Lisiuex -- the "Little Flower". In addition to the biographical material, the author includes many photos (St. Therese's sister -- also a nun -- was a photographer) a useful timeline of events in the saints' life; a family tree/family history; and numerous testimonies to the witness of St. Therese. This book is a "must read" for anyone interested in St. Therese and/or Carmelite spirituality. Read this biography BEFORE you read her own autobiography. Very highly recommended.

An indispensable complement to Story of a Soul

"Story of a Life," by Monseigneur Guy Gaucher, OCD, general editor of the critical edition of St. Therese's writings and auxiliary bishop of Bayeux and Lisieux, is a powerful framework for Therese's own "Story of a Soul." She writes, "It is not my life properly so-called that I am going to write; it is my thoughts on the graces God has granted to me." Bishop Gaucher tells, as much as possible, what Therese left untold. His astonishing expertise and understanding of Therese, his passionate attention to chronology, and his attention to detail create a framework for Therese's own writings. The more you love St. Therese, the more you will love this book. Also an excellent guide for persons or groups wanting to work through her life chronologically; one could use this book as a framework for the study of her writings. We are extremely fortunate the book is available in English.

Leads to a better understanding of her autobiography

I read the autobiography of St. Therese last year. After reading this book, I have a much fuller understanding of her "Little Way." It also helped me to better follow the chronology of her life. The author integrates her words with his own to help us bring together these two wonderful works. Highly recommended for anyone who loves this Saint.

The definitive biography of St. Therese

This book, written by perhaps "the" foremost authority on St. Therese of Lisieux, is a "must read" for anyone interested in the life and spirituality of St. Therese. It provides invaluable information about the life of this Saint and about her relationships with her parents and sisters. In addition, the book provides critical insight into daily life at the Lisieux Carmel during the time of St. Therese. Highly recommended for a fuller understanding of this Doctor of the Church.