What do you think?
Rate this book
The Fullness of Joy: A Story of Loss and Renewal
Joy is only a bear. She doesn’t understand Batiushka’s prayers or late-night vigils, or why the dark winds rage against him. She doesn’t care for the humans who constantly ask his advice, or the other bear, Misha, who takes up his time and attention. Joy only knows that Batiushka needs her as much as she needs him, and she will never let anyone take him away.
In this beautifully illustrated novel, readers will be immersed in the day-to-day world of Joy and her journey alongside the beloved monk who later became known as Saint Seraphim of Sarov. Young teen readers will be drawn to Seraphim’s life with his animal companions. More mature readers, especially parents, will resonate with the strong undercurrents of love, fear, and faith made real in this lyrical tale by author Georgia Briggs, who also wrote the award-winning novel, Icon.
In this beautifully illustrated novel, readers will be immersed in the day-to-day world of Joy and her journey alongside the beloved monk who later became known as Saint Seraphim of Sarov. Young teen readers will be drawn to Seraphim’s life with his animal companions. More mature readers, especially parents, will resonate with the strong undercurrents of love, fear, and faith made real in this lyrical tale by author Georgia Briggs, who also wrote the award-winning novel, Icon.
- GenresReligionSpirituality
160 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2022
1 person is currently reading
52 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 26, 2022
This is a different kind of book, the story of the Russian Orthodox St. St. Seraphim of Sarov told from the point of view of a bear that lives with him, peacefully. In some ways it is reminiscent of The Lion and the Saint by Laura Wolfe (about St. Gerasim), but in many ways it reads very differently.
It helps to know a little about monasticism and asceticism to understand some of what goes on in the story. At the same time, it is immersive, getting us as close to the life and struggles of St. Seraphim without actually telling the story from his point of view.
The bear, named Joy, carries her own pain when she meets St. Seraphim, and soon becomes his daily companion, believing herself to be of help to him, sometimes proud of the way she never leaves him the way the other animals do.
We don't get a happy ending so much as we get a peaceful and victorious one, which encapsulates St. Seraphim's life and words perfectly.
The book itself is beautiful. It's rare to find a middle grade/young adult book almost fully illustrated and in color. It makes a lovely gift.
Ancient Faith Publishing provided me with a review copy of this book.
It helps to know a little about monasticism and asceticism to understand some of what goes on in the story. At the same time, it is immersive, getting us as close to the life and struggles of St. Seraphim without actually telling the story from his point of view.
The bear, named Joy, carries her own pain when she meets St. Seraphim, and soon becomes his daily companion, believing herself to be of help to him, sometimes proud of the way she never leaves him the way the other animals do.
We don't get a happy ending so much as we get a peaceful and victorious one, which encapsulates St. Seraphim's life and words perfectly.
The book itself is beautiful. It's rare to find a middle grade/young adult book almost fully illustrated and in color. It makes a lovely gift.
Ancient Faith Publishing provided me with a review copy of this book.
December 7, 2022
This was a beautiful and thought provoking story. It is an easy read and an enjoyable story for younger children. However, it also has a depth to it that teens & adults will appreciate. There are just layers of meaning from the obvious "surface" story down to the subtle "depths" of meaning to sit and ponder over.
The illustrations throughout the book are beautiful. I didn't realize until after I'd already read the book that the author, Georgia Briggs, also drew these lovely pictures.
The story is about Joy, a bear who is drawn to journey north but doesn't know exactly why. She eventually arrives at a little cabin in the forest where a very kind man lives. This man, to whom she was drawn, is St. Seraphim of Sarov. The story is fiction but based in truth. The holy man is very real. St. Seraphim lived from 1754-1833 in Russia and is a saint recognized by the Orthodox Christian Church.
Joy quickly settles down at St. Seraphim's little cabin. She has an immediate, deep love for him and never wants to leave. She believes she loves him more than all of the other animals and people that are also drawn to him. The story tells of her struggles to understand St. Seraphim, herself, and others. She really doesn't see herself or others as clearly as she thinks she does. Joy has a lot of learning to do! But St. Seraphim is very patient with the foolish & proud old bear.
It is so easy to see ourselves in Joy. Her very "human" failures and missteps. Her desire to do better and serve her beloved master more. Her journey is our journey.
The only thing I was disappointed about was that there were lines of prayer, etc. uttered by St. Seraphim that were written in Russian (that part was great) but weren't translated anywhere into English. So for non-Russian speakers, they won't know what is being said. And it is sad they're missing the beauty there. I am trying to teach myself Russian so I did understand some. It would have been perfect if there was a little section in the back with translations so everyone could know what he was saying. That is the only reason for the 4 stars.
Overall a wonderful story! I look forward to more books by this author. Her previous book, Icon, is also excellent and highly recommended!
The illustrations throughout the book are beautiful. I didn't realize until after I'd already read the book that the author, Georgia Briggs, also drew these lovely pictures.
The story is about Joy, a bear who is drawn to journey north but doesn't know exactly why. She eventually arrives at a little cabin in the forest where a very kind man lives. This man, to whom she was drawn, is St. Seraphim of Sarov. The story is fiction but based in truth. The holy man is very real. St. Seraphim lived from 1754-1833 in Russia and is a saint recognized by the Orthodox Christian Church.
Joy quickly settles down at St. Seraphim's little cabin. She has an immediate, deep love for him and never wants to leave. She believes she loves him more than all of the other animals and people that are also drawn to him. The story tells of her struggles to understand St. Seraphim, herself, and others. She really doesn't see herself or others as clearly as she thinks she does. Joy has a lot of learning to do! But St. Seraphim is very patient with the foolish & proud old bear.
It is so easy to see ourselves in Joy. Her very "human" failures and missteps. Her desire to do better and serve her beloved master more. Her journey is our journey.
The only thing I was disappointed about was that there were lines of prayer, etc. uttered by St. Seraphim that were written in Russian (that part was great) but weren't translated anywhere into English. So for non-Russian speakers, they won't know what is being said. And it is sad they're missing the beauty there. I am trying to teach myself Russian so I did understand some. It would have been perfect if there was a little section in the back with translations so everyone could know what he was saying. That is the only reason for the 4 stars.
Overall a wonderful story! I look forward to more books by this author. Her previous book, Icon, is also excellent and highly recommended!
June 30, 2023
I remember after I finished reading "Icon", I wanted to know more about Georgia. So I found her blog and when I saw her picture, I said to myself: She looks just like one of our Romanian church girls.
Since then, Georgia has blossomed as an Orthodox and as an author. And as an illustrator, as it seems. After reading "Bucuria Sfântului Serafim", I was surprised to discover a story so different from "Icon". I see it as a work of maturity, both spiritual and literary. She lost the recklessness in Icon, but she gained grace and subtlety.
You don't get a lot of chances at recklessness. You have to do it right the first time because when maturity strikes, there's no going back. And "Icon" was such a successful outburst of youthful excitement. The discovery of true faith can do that to you.
Getting back to "The Fullness of Joy", it's interesting to see how deep a book meant for kids can be. Writing for kids requires subtlety and elegance. There are no forced metaphors or useless filler. Everything just flows. And you flow along. It's natural. There are no strategies or tricks to glue the reader to the book. I don't know what she did, but I feel that this is literature. Something honest. It seems that her every work makes me question and push myself as a writer.
As for the illustrations, the drawings are really accurate in proportion and perspective, and I also appreciated the texture, lighting and composition. The fact that the writer is also the illustrator brings a strong cohesion between text and image. Probably the only way for an illustrator to understand the message of the writer 100% is to also be the writer. The ability to translate the story into different means of communication is a great way to set the mood.
"The Fullness of Joy" came with some extra joy for me personally as I got to meet Georgia in person and exchange a few words with her at the book launch in Bucharest.
During the Q&A, Georgia said that we are the bear. It wasn't very clear to me how exactly did Bucurie symbolize us until Mișa, the male bear, came along. I saw then the woman's sorrow. The woman forced to grow in strength instead of love, to wander on incomplete, unable to find union with the estranged, oblivious man. And I can't imagine what it must feel for a woman to know what a man should be better than a man. So she humbles herself, she clings to God, and God provides.
Weather a bear is worthy of some of the spiritual events that are depicted in the novel is to be discussed, but since the bear symbolizes us, the sinners, I'll consider it a metaphor. Another question arises unanswered. One cannot help but wonder, how much bread does it take to feed a bear?
Georgia came to visit Romania. Maybe it's the first time she came home. It's never too late. For home is where the flowers soak the blood of the martyrs. And she is once again a ballerina. Of the Word.
Since then, Georgia has blossomed as an Orthodox and as an author. And as an illustrator, as it seems. After reading "Bucuria Sfântului Serafim", I was surprised to discover a story so different from "Icon". I see it as a work of maturity, both spiritual and literary. She lost the recklessness in Icon, but she gained grace and subtlety.
You don't get a lot of chances at recklessness. You have to do it right the first time because when maturity strikes, there's no going back. And "Icon" was such a successful outburst of youthful excitement. The discovery of true faith can do that to you.
Getting back to "The Fullness of Joy", it's interesting to see how deep a book meant for kids can be. Writing for kids requires subtlety and elegance. There are no forced metaphors or useless filler. Everything just flows. And you flow along. It's natural. There are no strategies or tricks to glue the reader to the book. I don't know what she did, but I feel that this is literature. Something honest. It seems that her every work makes me question and push myself as a writer.
As for the illustrations, the drawings are really accurate in proportion and perspective, and I also appreciated the texture, lighting and composition. The fact that the writer is also the illustrator brings a strong cohesion between text and image. Probably the only way for an illustrator to understand the message of the writer 100% is to also be the writer. The ability to translate the story into different means of communication is a great way to set the mood.
"The Fullness of Joy" came with some extra joy for me personally as I got to meet Georgia in person and exchange a few words with her at the book launch in Bucharest.
During the Q&A, Georgia said that we are the bear. It wasn't very clear to me how exactly did Bucurie symbolize us until Mișa, the male bear, came along. I saw then the woman's sorrow. The woman forced to grow in strength instead of love, to wander on incomplete, unable to find union with the estranged, oblivious man. And I can't imagine what it must feel for a woman to know what a man should be better than a man. So she humbles herself, she clings to God, and God provides.
Weather a bear is worthy of some of the spiritual events that are depicted in the novel is to be discussed, but since the bear symbolizes us, the sinners, I'll consider it a metaphor. Another question arises unanswered. One cannot help but wonder, how much bread does it take to feed a bear?
Georgia came to visit Romania. Maybe it's the first time she came home. It's never too late. For home is where the flowers soak the blood of the martyrs. And she is once again a ballerina. Of the Word.
December 2, 2023
I was given this book as a gift. I had looked at it in a store, but decided not to spend the money. I guess for me, that was a good choice since I was given it just weeks later. But if I hadn't been given it, I would have missed a real treasure.
This book isn't a devotional as one usually thinks of a devotion, but it quickly becomes something to ponder and learn from like any good devotion.
This is the story of St. Seraphim of Sarov who is often seen in icons with a bear. The story is told from the bear's point of view.
St. Seraphim names the bear Joy. We see her at first afraid of humans, then becoming so attached to him that she is jealous of all others he interacts with. I saw myself as the bear and realized how jealous I can become of my friends interactions with others. My prayer became, Lord, don't let me be like Joy.
She and he both age and she comes to accept others in his life. The time comes when there must be a parting - he back to the monastery, she left in the woods. We understand death is approaching for both. But in the end, she has internalized what we Orthodox Christians strive for. She had heard the Jesus prayer over and over again from St. Seraphim and now had internalized it in her heart and was healed from all the darkness she had experienced in her life. Now my prayer has become Lord, make me like Joy.
This book isn't a devotional as one usually thinks of a devotion, but it quickly becomes something to ponder and learn from like any good devotion.
This is the story of St. Seraphim of Sarov who is often seen in icons with a bear. The story is told from the bear's point of view.
St. Seraphim names the bear Joy. We see her at first afraid of humans, then becoming so attached to him that she is jealous of all others he interacts with. I saw myself as the bear and realized how jealous I can become of my friends interactions with others. My prayer became, Lord, don't let me be like Joy.
She and he both age and she comes to accept others in his life. The time comes when there must be a parting - he back to the monastery, she left in the woods. We understand death is approaching for both. But in the end, she has internalized what we Orthodox Christians strive for. She had heard the Jesus prayer over and over again from St. Seraphim and now had internalized it in her heart and was healed from all the darkness she had experienced in her life. Now my prayer has become Lord, make me like Joy.
September 18, 2023
This book is so wonderful. It explores such meaningful, deep topics in such a beautiful, unique way. The illustrations are stunning, and really add to the reading experience by making you feel immersed in the story. I feel this book radiates the joy, peace, and gentleness of St. Seraphim of Sarov. I would recommend this book to almost anyone.
December 9, 2023
I LOVED THIS BOOK
The narrative was well written and the illustrations were beautiful. This is a book for children or adults. I have read her book, Icon, which is also very well done. I highly recommend both.
The narrative was well written and the illustrations were beautiful. This is a book for children or adults. I have read her book, Icon, which is also very well done. I highly recommend both.
June 7, 2025
A truly great book about St. Seraphim of Sarov written in POV of his bear companion. What really made it 5 stars was the last 2 chapters of the book. Everything came full circle and reveals the truth about joy and the life we all struggle to live.
January 20, 2023
☀️🌙🐻 “ I have touched Death itself, and all that I touch turns to Joy.” 🐻🌙☀️
May 4, 2023
This book is such a good read and I soooo recommend it. It really moved me and I am now reading, “Icon” also by Georgia Briggs, who is one of my favorite authors.
March 22, 2023
"This is the story of a bear.
To tell the story of the saint would be too difficult and too important a task, so we shall instead tell the story of the bear, which itself has so much sorrow and joy that we fear we are unequal to this task as well.
But no one else will tell her story, for she is just a bear."
What a lovely book! It tells about St. Seraphim of Sarov from the perspective of Joy, a bear that comes to live with him and is his daily companion while he works and prays. As the story shares Joy's thoughts and inner struggles to understand herself and others, it also prompts the reader to examine his/her own heart, for often we don't see ourselves as we really are. Beautiful, beautiful story.
To tell the story of the saint would be too difficult and too important a task, so we shall instead tell the story of the bear, which itself has so much sorrow and joy that we fear we are unequal to this task as well.
But no one else will tell her story, for she is just a bear."
What a lovely book! It tells about St. Seraphim of Sarov from the perspective of Joy, a bear that comes to live with him and is his daily companion while he works and prays. As the story shares Joy's thoughts and inner struggles to understand herself and others, it also prompts the reader to examine his/her own heart, for often we don't see ourselves as we really are. Beautiful, beautiful story.
March 18, 2025
One of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read!
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews