Stories of Karol: The Unknown Life of John Paul II

by Peter Heinegg (Translator), Gian Franco Svidercoschi

Gian Franco Svidercoschi Countless biographies have been written about Pope John Paul II. Now, a well-know Vatican insider reveals new details about Karol Wojtyla's youth, from his birth to his election to the papal throne. Stories of Karol: The Unknown Life of John Paul II originated as a 20-part radio program that aired from January to March 2001 and was narrated by the author himself. From the Preface to Stories of Karol: The Unknown Life of John PaulII - "It would seem a contradiction to propose a history of Karol Wojtyla up to his election as pope, now when his pontificate turns toward the home stretch .... I have chosen to tell only part of the story of John Paul II.... This decision was born of the belief that in order to understand ... the first Slavic pope, one must go back to his origins, to the roots of his vocation, and to the different experiences and situations out

Genres: Catholic

150 pages, Hardcover

First published December 2, 2005

Reviews

[Kerry Yoder · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was really wonderful. I learned so much history about Poland before during and after World War 2. This is a great book for anyone that is interested in learning about history. The story of Karol is great but you don’t have to be a Catholic to enjoy this book. Highly recommend!

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Writing about the turbulant history of Poland in the context of Karol Woktyla's life and how it effected him.

[Robert Flick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though I have read Witness to Hope, the mammoth work by George Weigel, this is a nice brief work full of anecdotes of the young life of a great saint.

[Ellen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book after seeing an amazing movie called 'Karol: The Man Who Would be Pope." (I would give the movie 5 stars!) Both tell of the sad & turbulent history of Poland, having to endure both Nazi & Russian regimes. And both teach us about the unique, brilliant & compassionate Karol Wojtyla, who would become Pope John Paul II. Didn't love how this was written...i say, rent the movie! :)

[Matthew Bartlett · Rating 5 out of 5]

A warm insight into the life of the man who would become Pope John Paul II. (Doesn't seem to be a scholarly work cause there is no index, notes or bibliography.) But a good book.