Francis: The Saint of Assisi

by Joan Mueller

A modern retelling of the life of St. Francis of Assisi, this book combines historical details and dramatic style. The author explores the daily lives of Francis and Clare and the lives of thirteen-century Assisi and beautifully translates their stories in these pages. St. The Saint of Assisi reads like both a love story and a biographical account of the life of the most universally acclaimed saint.

Genres: Religion

272 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2000

Reviews

[Adele · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical novel that supplemented for me what I learned on a trip to the village of Assissi about the interesting life of St. Francis of Assissi and his shunning of wealth to live in poverty so that he could closely follow the teachings of Jesus Christ. Joan Mueller brings the reader into the intricate lives of this man, the men and women who follow him, and the family and friends who call them insane.

[Emily Henseler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Historical fiction? Idk. ILY St. Fran but it was a bit odd reading his life story in this fashion???? Idk maybe I’m a hater maybe I’m valid. Someone else try it and lmk

[Leroy Seat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a novel, but it is based on extensive historical research and so is very informative as well as interesting because it includes details that are possible only in a novel. The author is a Franciscan scholar and an associate professor of theology and Christian spirituality at Creighton University.

I don't know about the historical accuracy of the following words Mueller puts in Francis' mouth, but they seem to sum up his viewpoint well. At one point Francis says to Bishop Guido of Assisi, "My Lord, if we had possessions, we would also be forced to have arms to protect them. Possessions are the cause of disputes and strife, and in many ways hinder people from loving God and neighbor. We are determined, Bishop Guido, to have no temporal possessions. We want to live in peace" (p. 154).

A Japanese "saint," Nishida Tenko, expressed the same sort of sentiment in these words, "In having nothing lies inexhaustible wealth."

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have enjoyed this biographical novel of the life of St Francis over the years. It has been some time since I read it and find it as instructive as ever. May we all struggle to walk in the footsteps of Jesus as Francis did. Each of us must find our spiritual path during this life as Francis and the Franciscans have.

[Debora J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book such an enjoyable read. Although it's a novel, it was written to be historically accurate with the use of numerous sources. I learned quite a bit about the life of St. Francis, the order he founded and also St. Clare and the work she did. It has motivated me to learn more about the life of St. Francis and to read more of his writings.

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A recommendation due my interest in St. Francis and the Franciscan family and it is a wonderful book! Very beautiful written with a great respect towards the Saint. Very vivid, very detailed and just all-around wonderful. Definitely worth your time!

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've only read 4 chapters so far, but I love it. I didn't think I'd like reading a fictionalized account of a saint - particularly Francis, but this book reads so easy.

[Brian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another biography of Francis like a lot of other ones out there

[Ben Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

fantastic tale of the most beloved saint.