Customer Reviews

Catherine of Siena: A Biography

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Ms. Baldwin's well-meaning little book is remarkable for its errors. Anyone with any interest in St. Catherine's actual life should locate a second-hand copy of Johannes Jorgensen's biography. Ms. Baldwin confuses dates, ignores facts (Tommaso della fonte was apparently ordained at 10, according to her!), and doesn't proofread. She gushes interminably. There are novels about St. Catherine's life; Louis de Wohl's _Lay Siege to Heaven_ is still in print. Read that! It's much closer to the facts!

Since my last review of this book, (and the only negative review) was removed, I am reposting it. When I orded this book I was looking for a factual biography. What I got was a hagiography written in the style of a romance novel. The writing style is extremely irritating, and if you are looking for a real historical biography this not for you. Very very dissapointing.

Since our Lord Jesus Christ calls us all to be saints, I needed some guidance. St. Cathrine has been named "Doctor of The Church", so I ordered the book. This book gives a detailed account of the life of St. Catherine. The early childhood, when she said "Yes" to our Lord Jesus at the age of 6, preteen years when she isolated herself from her family to be with our Lord, and her teen years into adulthood (she died at a very young age).

This book shows all of us how we can better live our lives in accordance with God's Holy Will. St. Catherine helped all in need especially the Catholic Church.

The book contains a summary of some of the most important teachings of St. Catherine, which are from her book "The Dialogue". These teachings, along with all her wonderful deeds, makes her one of the greatest saints.

I praise God for using her as His instrument!