Thérèse of Lisieux, Story of a Soul: Study Edition, (trans.) John Clarke, O.C.D, (ed.) Mary Foley, O.C.D.

Abstract

According to the blurb on the back cover of this study edition of the autobiography of St. Thérèse, its purpose is ‘to assist  contemporary readers to apply the spiritual insights of the Story of a Soul to their lives. Those wishing to do so now have an admirable tool to aid them. Marc Foley takes the autobiography chapter by chapter. At the end of each, the background and context are  presented, followed by reflections and questions. There are a number of reflections for each chapter, and each reflection has its own  set of questions. The author puts to good use here the insights of psychology and spirituality, both ancient and modem. The author  finds parallels to Thérèse’s thought, and examples to illustrate it, in a variety of well chosen extracts from authors as diverse as Julian  of Norwich, Victor Frankl, John Cheever, Emily Dickinson, William Blake, the Brontë sisters, St. Augustine and St. Gregory the Great and  many more. The essence of Thérèse’s thought is extracted and placed alongside this rich and varied selection. Shown in this new light, her writings are seen to have a timeless quality and universal application. The notes at the end of each section shed further light on  the saint.