First published 2007
Augustine stands before God, laying bare the sins of his youth. He recounts his theft of pears as a boy, his years chasing worldly pleasures, and his struggle with lust and pride. The future saint wrestles with doubt and philosophical questions while his mother Monica prays for his soul. Augustine describes his intellectual journey through Manichaeism and encounters with Bishop Ambrose in Milan. The moment of conversion arrives in a garden when he hears a child's voice saying "take up and read." He opens Paul's letters and finds the words that transform his heart. Augustine dedicates his remaining life to serving God, asking forgiveness for his past transgressions and offering his story as testimony to divine grace.
Genres: classics, christian-fiction, historical-fiction, biography-memoir
Vibes: emotional, intimate, thought-provoking
Tropes: redemption, spiritual-journey
Setting: Milan
Period: Ancient
432 pages · Paperback · ReadHowYouWant