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Fabiola o La Iglesia de las Catacumbas.
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363 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1854
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About the author
Nicholas Wiseman
641 books14 followersCardinal Nicholas Patrick Stephen Wiseman became the first Roman Catholic Archbishop of Westminster in 1850 upon the official, post-Reformation, re-establishment of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.
Wiseman was an extraordinary man, and one of the key figures in the revival of Catholicism in this country. Born in Spain to Irish parents, he studied at the English College in Rome, becoming its Rector in 1828 at the astonishing age of 25. A fine linguist, he was given charge of the Vatican's arabic manuscripts. In 1850, he became the first Archbishop of the newly erected Diocese of Westminster, and a Cardinal.
During his life, his preaching, writings and example did much to advance the Catholic cause in England, and he was widely respected as a churchman and a scholar.
Wiseman was an extraordinary man, and one of the key figures in the revival of Catholicism in this country. Born in Spain to Irish parents, he studied at the English College in Rome, becoming its Rector in 1828 at the astonishing age of 25. A fine linguist, he was given charge of the Vatican's arabic manuscripts. In 1850, he became the first Archbishop of the newly erected Diocese of Westminster, and a Cardinal.
During his life, his preaching, writings and example did much to advance the Catholic cause in England, and he was widely respected as a churchman and a scholar.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews
August 27, 2018
Four and Half Stars.
It is a novel set in the 4th century when Diocles and Maximian were the emperors on East and West side of the Roman empire. It was the time of one of the worst ever persecutions that the early Church faced.
In this novel, the saints and martyrs whom we venerate come alive. The well known ones are: St. Sebastian and St. Agnes. Along with them the entire grim situation that the early Church faced under the irascible ire of the Romans comes alive. As a reader you feel the tensions of the Christians as the rumours depicting Christians as vile creatures, cunning sorcerers and merciless cannibals increased. You feel along with the Christians a longing for the glorious martyrdom. As they rejoice walking towards the Coliseum to face the wild animals, you rejoice with them. You feel proud of your Faith. As the Christians loved each other and tried to practice the virtue of forgiveness with the slimy betrayers and ruthless executioners, you feel sad for not practicing the Faith.
The novel, as you might have already noted is intended to inspire you of a Christian's Faith, to encourage in practicing the Christian virtues, and to strengthen your Faith. The novel does it by making the reader to live in the Christian community that very valiantly faced the Martyrdom than to giving up one's faith. The scenes of St. Agnes' martyrdom moved me to tears. The tears were tears of JOY. The fact that I had visited the Church of St. Agnes in Rome added a personal touch to it.
The writer, Nicholas Cardinal Wiseman also gives the necessary historical details necessary for the comprehension of the novels. You get an idea of Roman customs, the information of the important architectural monuments - catacombs, John, the Lateran Basilica, etc. If you had visited Rome, it is easy to re-live the moments. If not, still you get an idea of all the places and events and a desire will be instilled in to visit the holy places mentioned.
Lastly, it is evidently very Catholic. If you are a Catholic, and if you have not read this one, you certainly need to read this. You will fall in love with your Faith.
It is a novel set in the 4th century when Diocles and Maximian were the emperors on East and West side of the Roman empire. It was the time of one of the worst ever persecutions that the early Church faced.
In this novel, the saints and martyrs whom we venerate come alive. The well known ones are: St. Sebastian and St. Agnes. Along with them the entire grim situation that the early Church faced under the irascible ire of the Romans comes alive. As a reader you feel the tensions of the Christians as the rumours depicting Christians as vile creatures, cunning sorcerers and merciless cannibals increased. You feel along with the Christians a longing for the glorious martyrdom. As they rejoice walking towards the Coliseum to face the wild animals, you rejoice with them. You feel proud of your Faith. As the Christians loved each other and tried to practice the virtue of forgiveness with the slimy betrayers and ruthless executioners, you feel sad for not practicing the Faith.
The novel, as you might have already noted is intended to inspire you of a Christian's Faith, to encourage in practicing the Christian virtues, and to strengthen your Faith. The novel does it by making the reader to live in the Christian community that very valiantly faced the Martyrdom than to giving up one's faith. The scenes of St. Agnes' martyrdom moved me to tears. The tears were tears of JOY. The fact that I had visited the Church of St. Agnes in Rome added a personal touch to it.
The writer, Nicholas Cardinal Wiseman also gives the necessary historical details necessary for the comprehension of the novels. You get an idea of Roman customs, the information of the important architectural monuments - catacombs, John, the Lateran Basilica, etc. If you had visited Rome, it is easy to re-live the moments. If not, still you get an idea of all the places and events and a desire will be instilled in to visit the holy places mentioned.
Lastly, it is evidently very Catholic. If you are a Catholic, and if you have not read this one, you certainly need to read this. You will fall in love with your Faith.
May 26, 2019
Wow! Cardinal Wiseman has explored the catacombs intricately and has connected various bold martyrs in one novel, Fabiola. The bravery of the martyrs is enhanced by their astounding love of God, shown in the pouring out of their blood for Him. If only all books on spirituality led to such love of God like this one!
June 30, 2015
I enjoyed this book much more than I thought I would. Having toured Rome and the catacombs only seven months ago definitely helped. The scenes that took place in the catacombs were very real and the stories woven around the real life martyrs were impressive and inspiring.
March 30, 2019
Fabiola is a novel, based on real events, that talks about the Roman and Christian culture at the beginning of the fourth century, during the persecution of Christians by the Emperor Diocletian. The spirit of the martyrs and the degree of virtue that presents in the protagonists is admirable, almost impossible humanly speaking, so that it can only be understood and lived by the grace of God.
_______________
Fabiola es una novela, basada en hechos reales, que habla sobre la cultura romana y cristiana a principios del siglo IV, durante la persecución de los cristianos por el emperador Diocleciano. El espíritu de los mártires y el grado de virtud que presenta en los protagonistas es admirable, casi imposible humanamente hablando, por lo que únicamente puede ser comprendido y vivido por gracia de Dios.
_______________
Fabiola es una novela, basada en hechos reales, que habla sobre la cultura romana y cristiana a principios del siglo IV, durante la persecución de los cristianos por el emperador Diocleciano. El espíritu de los mártires y el grado de virtud que presenta en los protagonistas es admirable, casi imposible humanamente hablando, por lo que únicamente puede ser comprendido y vivido por gracia de Dios.
April 30, 2019
A pesar de que es un libro escrito con un estilo grandilocuente y demasiado rebuscado, me pongo un poco en cuándo se publicó y quién es su autor. Si una novela que trata de la Iglesia de las catacumbas está escrita en el XIX y por un cardenal católico e inglés, pues no se va a poner a describir los acontecimientos con sencillez, sino ensalzando todo lo que tiene que ver con el triunfo de la fe cristiana y la heroicidad de los mártires. Yo lo he leído con espíritu arqueológico. Conocía toda la historia porque leí una versión juvenil con ilustraciones (¡ay, omá, ese San Sebastián rubiazo!) y, a pesar de todo, no me ha aburrido. De hecho, aunque un poco pesado al principio, luego se va poniendo interesante. A mí es que estas historias del cristianismo primitivo me gustan mucho, tienen algo que me llama la atención. Posiblemente a la mayoría le aburra el tema, y más cuando el autor hace de arqueólogo y nos habla de cómo era la Roma del siglo IV o incluye descripciones de las catacumbas. A mí eso me ha parecido interesante, como también el conocer más basílicas romanas dedicadas a mártires (¡lo que me queda por ver, madre mía!). En definitiva, lo empecé por curiosidad y a pesar del regusto propagandístico que claramente tiene, no me ha desagradado. Ha sido como ver una película de Semana Santa de los años cincuenta. Sí, soy una moñas y una rancia, pero eso ya lo sabéis.
April 8, 2021
Well on a re-read this was even better!
I really like how all the good characters though all virtuous, have different personallities and are different. Almost all of them are likeable and portrayed sympathetically.
Fabiola: She is the learned and high, aloof sort of character Yet she is feminine and affectionate. I think her spiritual journey is done very well.
Sebastian: I am very fond of Sebastian. He is the strict, and yet kind sort of person. Bold, but prudent and patient, he is every inch a soldier-- and a Catholic. I like his relationship with those around him. Pancratius, Fabiola, Agnes, Quadratus, etc.
Agnes: Agnes is the innocent child-- though as Fabiola thinks, very much a woman too. Syra and Sebastian have a grave way with them not so blithe, which suggests that the heights of virtue which they accomplish was won by hard struggle, but with Agnes it seems it comes naturally to her. That is maybe why she won everyone's heart. Other Christians in it think of others but it doesn't seem as natural as in Agnes. As many remark almost as an angel on earth. She is very sweet.
Syra: Syra is the grave, quiet, but sweet woman that no one notices but she unconciously influences them. I think the difference between her and Agnes's humility is that with Agnes she just never thinks of herself, she is humble but it seems to be completly natural. But with Syra, I get the sense her humility was hard won, and did not come naturally to her.
Cecilia: Cecilia is the sweer cheerful one that brings sunshine to people in afflictions by cheerfully bearing her own. She also has a light playful manner to her that is very engaging.
Pancratius: Pancratius is the thoughtful boy, full of little fancies and love. But yet with boyish high spirits and imprudence. He has a hidden joy, but is full of fun, and a well done character.
Fulvius: Fulvius the clever, witty, but thoughtless and extravagent kind. Full of self conciet as a result of his natural gifts.
Corvinus: Corvinus is the stupid loutish one-- but he is not blamed for not being clever but rather for not trying to work at all. He is very cruel, but yet tormented at times, and far from happy.
TorquatusPoor weak Torquatus. In him it shows the excitable, passionate, but unconstant person. One who lives in the moment and lacks a firm foudation, and perserverance.
Honourable Mentions
Quadratus the centurion: I liked his tender protectivness over those weaker than his great strength and his comradeship with Pancratius.
Tarcissus: He was such a sweet, holy, little dear.
Dionysius: He was a very good docter-priest.
Emeretiana: Poor girl.
Afra:
Diogenes and his sons: They were great.
Tibertius: I liked him.
Lucina: I like her.
Dishonourable mentions
Iratus: He. was. the. worst.
Hyafax: Ugh!
Corvinus's father (forgot his name): I am disgusted.
The emperor Maximian: the brute.
Some people may say this was too idealistic, well I say a little idealism is good for everyone, and this isn't 'too idealistic anyway.' It shows saints, but believable saints who have already won the battle, but it also shows saints in making.
In short Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman was a genius.
I really like how all the good characters though all virtuous, have different personallities and are different. Almost all of them are likeable and portrayed sympathetically.
Fabiola: She is the learned and high, aloof sort of character Yet she is feminine and affectionate. I think her spiritual journey is done very well.
Sebastian: I am very fond of Sebastian. He is the strict, and yet kind sort of person. Bold, but prudent and patient, he is every inch a soldier-- and a Catholic. I like his relationship with those around him. Pancratius, Fabiola, Agnes, Quadratus, etc.
Agnes: Agnes is the innocent child-- though as Fabiola thinks, very much a woman too. Syra and Sebastian have a grave way with them not so blithe, which suggests that the heights of virtue which they accomplish was won by hard struggle, but with Agnes it seems it comes naturally to her. That is maybe why she won everyone's heart. Other Christians in it think of others but it doesn't seem as natural as in Agnes. As many remark almost as an angel on earth. She is very sweet.
Syra: Syra is the grave, quiet, but sweet woman that no one notices but she unconciously influences them. I think the difference between her and Agnes's humility is that with Agnes she just never thinks of herself, she is humble but it seems to be completly natural. But with Syra, I get the sense her humility was hard won, and did not come naturally to her.
Cecilia: Cecilia is the sweer cheerful one that brings sunshine to people in afflictions by cheerfully bearing her own. She also has a light playful manner to her that is very engaging.
Pancratius: Pancratius is the thoughtful boy, full of little fancies and love. But yet with boyish high spirits and imprudence. He has a hidden joy, but is full of fun, and a well done character.
Fulvius: Fulvius the clever, witty, but thoughtless and extravagent kind. Full of self conciet as a result of his natural gifts.
Corvinus: Corvinus is the stupid loutish one-- but he is not blamed for not being clever but rather for not trying to work at all. He is very cruel, but yet tormented at times, and far from happy.
TorquatusPoor weak Torquatus. In him it shows the excitable, passionate, but unconstant person. One who lives in the moment and lacks a firm foudation, and perserverance.
Honourable Mentions
Quadratus the centurion: I liked his tender protectivness over those weaker than his great strength and his comradeship with Pancratius.
Tarcissus: He was such a sweet, holy, little dear.
Dionysius: He was a very good docter-priest.
Emeretiana: Poor girl.
Afra:
Diogenes and his sons: They were great.
Tibertius: I liked him.
Lucina: I like her.
Dishonourable mentions
Iratus: He. was. the. worst.
Hyafax: Ugh!
Corvinus's father (forgot his name): I am disgusted.
The emperor Maximian: the brute.
Some people may say this was too idealistic, well I say a little idealism is good for everyone, and this isn't 'too idealistic anyway.' It shows saints, but believable saints who have already won the battle, but it also shows saints in making.
In short Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman was a genius.
July 29, 2022
Una buena novela que devela los primeros siglos del cristianismo.
Entretenida en términos generales pero hay partes muy descriptivas, sobre todo los aspectos de la arquitectura y en las catacumbas.
Creo que el título no es tan adecuado, pues la trama gira mayormente sobre los primeros mártires.
Entretenida en términos generales pero hay partes muy descriptivas, sobre todo los aspectos de la arquitectura y en las catacumbas.
Creo que el título no es tan adecuado, pues la trama gira mayormente sobre los primeros mártires.
April 20, 2024
Ramotka, ale mnie sie bardzo podobala. Dawno nie bylam w Rzymie, ale jesli jeszcze raz uda mi sie tam pojechac to chociaz jeden dzien poswiece by zwiedziec go z ta ksiazka.
October 11, 2013
Este libro es un excelente retrato de los primeros años del cristianismo. El relato incluye muchos datos de la vida de los primeros mártires y de cómo era la vida en Roma en aquel entonces. No le di las 5 estrellas porque el lenguaje o el relato en sí es a ratos demasiado romántico. Aún así es una lectura totalmente recomendable y con grandes enseñanzas
February 26, 2013
This was an excellent novel of the days of the Christian martyrs under Dioclesian.
September 9, 2019
Αγόρασα μία παλιά του έκδοση από έναν πάγκο στο Μοναστηράκι. Όταν γύρισα σπίτι, το άφησα στην άκρη. Ήταν σκονισμένο και κιτρινισμένο, μου ήρθε στο μυαλό το άρωμα της μούχλας, κι ένιωσα αηδία.
Έναν χρόνο μετά, ψάχνοντας στη βιβλιοθήκη, έπεσε ξανά στα χέρια μου. Πήρα την απόφαση να το μυρίσω. Ό,τι μου μυρίζει άσχημα το αντιπαθώ. Τραβάω μία γερή ρουφηξιά, δεύτερη, τρίτη. Λιβάνι, μοσχοβολά λιβάνι.
Το άνοιξα και ξεκίνησα να διαβάζω. Δεν το άφηνα από τα χέρια μου!! Υπέροχο βιβλίο!!
Έναν χρόνο μετά, ψάχνοντας στη βιβλιοθήκη, έπεσε ξανά στα χέρια μου. Πήρα την απόφαση να το μυρίσω. Ό,τι μου μυρίζει άσχημα το αντιπαθώ. Τραβάω μία γερή ρουφηξιά, δεύτερη, τρίτη. Λιβάνι, μοσχοβολά λιβάνι.
Το άνοιξα και ξεκίνησα να διαβάζω. Δεν το άφηνα από τα χέρια μου!! Υπέροχο βιβλίο!!
July 29, 2024
I think I took too long to read this, so the story line got a little foggy. Nonetheless, Fabiola’s conversion was really beautiful and it was pretty cool to read right after being in Rome. I also really liked the servants/slaves disposition of persecution and basically being spit on by others as being an opportunity to display virtue.
And then this quote really just tugged at my heart ; “The example of our Lord had made the Martyrs. The example of the Martyrs leads us upward to Him. Their blood softens our hearts; His alone cleanses our souls.”
Ave Maria!!
And then this quote really just tugged at my heart ; “The example of our Lord had made the Martyrs. The example of the Martyrs leads us upward to Him. Their blood softens our hearts; His alone cleanses our souls.”
Ave Maria!!
March 30, 2021
Prima parte e mai lentă, cu 'acțiunea' întreruptă des de scurte povestiri paralele, a doua e mai alertă și mai sângeroasă.
December 1, 2023
A fairly well-told story of the early church, except that it has way too much exposition used to tell the story. Written by a Cardinal in 1854.
March 21, 2024
Limbajul acestei cărți este foarte greoi, iar dramele nu încetează să curgă...
Probabil nu mi-a plăcut prea mult din pricina dinamicii, dar învățăturile ei sunt bune și pline de farmec...
Probabil nu mi-a plăcut prea mult din pricina dinamicii, dar învățăturile ei sunt bune și pline de farmec...
May 7, 2022
Fabiola è la storia dei primi martiri cristiani, agli atti dei quali l'autore senza dubbio ricorse per attingere ispirazione. Siamo in pieno clima di persecuzione; Roma pagana vuole totalmente annientare la nascente forza del cristianesimo, che in tutto il mondo ha già gettato profonde radici.
Ma non è, il presente, un romanzo storico: non abbraccia che un periodo di pochi mesi; più che una narrazione propriamente detta è una viva, luminosa serie di quadri, di episodi. Vi si trovano raccolti, entro breve spazio, fatti avvenuti in tempi e in paesi diversi.
Le figure scolpite nel racconto restano come indimenticabile esempio della potenza di una fede che mai vacillò dinanzi alle più sanguinose violenze.
~Fabiola
Ma non è, il presente, un romanzo storico: non abbraccia che un periodo di pochi mesi; più che una narrazione propriamente detta è una viva, luminosa serie di quadri, di episodi. Vi si trovano raccolti, entro breve spazio, fatti avvenuti in tempi e in paesi diversi.
Le figure scolpite nel racconto restano come indimenticabile esempio della potenza di una fede che mai vacillò dinanzi alle più sanguinose violenze.
~Fabiola
June 5, 2013
Un libro altamente doctrinario, más o menos en el tono de El Martir del Golgota. Podemos decir que se basa en hechos reales, aunque no es estrictamente histórico. La historia es algo floja, en ocasiones inverosímil, aunque se trata de un período casi legendario y, lo que es más importante, se busca exaltar el compromiso de los cristianos de los siglos III y IV con sus creencias. En este sentido, hay obras mejores, como Quo vadis? y hay otras en las que el adoctrinamiento es más intenso, aunque dirigido al extremo opuesto del "espectro ideológico", como Así se templo el acero.
Lo mejor del libro es la parte arqueológica, y las ideas que tenían los romanos del cristianismo, que actualmente nos parecerían cómicas. Por cierto: en Wikipedia podemos ver la mayoría de las pinturas que decoran las catacumbas y que se mencionan en el libro.
Lo mejor del libro es la parte arqueológica, y las ideas que tenían los romanos del cristianismo, que actualmente nos parecerían cómicas. Por cierto: en Wikipedia podemos ver la mayoría de las pinturas que decoran las catacumbas y que se mencionan en el libro.
July 23, 2018
This is definitely one of the best saint books that I have ever read!
The compelling plot of "Fabiola" follows the story of many different characters, each one's life interwoven brilliantly with all the others so that the story flows perfectly. I know that we're accustomed to saint books that are rather dull, but this one most certainly is not! I enjoyed so much reading about saints in a book that actually makes you realize that they were real people with real personalities and emotions. The events in the book are true, yet it felt so much like a fictional story, full of virtuous heroes and evil antagonists. The characters were well rounded and believable and (most of them) very endearing. This is a very edifying and interesting book, and I highly recommend it. But be prepared to cry :).
The compelling plot of "Fabiola" follows the story of many different characters, each one's life interwoven brilliantly with all the others so that the story flows perfectly. I know that we're accustomed to saint books that are rather dull, but this one most certainly is not! I enjoyed so much reading about saints in a book that actually makes you realize that they were real people with real personalities and emotions. The events in the book are true, yet it felt so much like a fictional story, full of virtuous heroes and evil antagonists. The characters were well rounded and believable and (most of them) very endearing. This is a very edifying and interesting book, and I highly recommend it. But be prepared to cry :).
February 18, 2011
PROS: Wiseman obviously had a love of history and archaeology as he does a good job of painting the society and slipping in interesting trivia. Elements of the story are interesting, particularly the haunting scene of a broken man, who just sold out his own people, lost in the catacombs without light.
CONS: The plot takes some ridiculous twists. Very melodramatic at times. The dialogue is clunky and scenes sloppily constructed. The propagandist way all Christians are painted as inspirational and all Pagans are conniving, immoral bastards is insulting and dishonest, as is the notion that the only Pagans capable of doing the right thing come from a Christian lineage.
CONS: The plot takes some ridiculous twists. Very melodramatic at times. The dialogue is clunky and scenes sloppily constructed. The propagandist way all Christians are painted as inspirational and all Pagans are conniving, immoral bastards is insulting and dishonest, as is the notion that the only Pagans capable of doing the right thing come from a Christian lineage.
Read
February 23, 2011I read this in Russian translation over a decade ago. I Liked it, but I don't remember much. Not rating.
August 27, 2025
Cuando yo era niña de 6-8 años, alguien de mi familia me regaló éste libro. Me regalaron éste libro pues "Fabiola" es mi primer nombre, y supongo que ese fue el único motivo para hacerlo. Debo confesar que desde que me lo dieron hasta el momento en que se perdió nunca lo leí, nunca se me antojó, aunque llegué a hojearlo muchas veces, porque tenía ilustraciones muy bonitas.
Por fin, 30 años después, me he dado la ocasión de leerlo, y no me explico por qué le darían este libro a una niña solo porque la protagonista comparte su nombre. Habla acerca de la persecución de los cristianos en época del imperio romano, habla acerca de gente torturada, conspiraciones, asesinatos en la arena, bestias desgarrando el cuello a inocentes, vírgenes decapitadas por no querer negar su cristiandad... y Fabiola pasa de ser una mujer cruel e indiferente a convertirse en una cristiana devota... la mejor de las mujeres.
Pero yo soy adulta ahora y el libro me aburrió terriblemente, demasiada moralidad, demasiada palabrería religiosa, lo sentí como un enorme SERMÓN... así que no me explico como querían que mi yo de 7 años hubiera podido leer y apreciar éste libro.
DEFINITIVAMENTE no soy el público objetivo.
⭐⭐2
Por fin, 30 años después, me he dado la ocasión de leerlo, y no me explico por qué le darían este libro a una niña solo porque la protagonista comparte su nombre. Habla acerca de la persecución de los cristianos en época del imperio romano, habla acerca de gente torturada, conspiraciones, asesinatos en la arena, bestias desgarrando el cuello a inocentes, vírgenes decapitadas por no querer negar su cristiandad... y Fabiola pasa de ser una mujer cruel e indiferente a convertirse en una cristiana devota... la mejor de las mujeres.
Pero yo soy adulta ahora y el libro me aburrió terriblemente, demasiada moralidad, demasiada palabrería religiosa, lo sentí como un enorme SERMÓN... así que no me explico como querían que mi yo de 7 años hubiera podido leer y apreciar éste libro.
DEFINITIVAMENTE no soy el público objetivo.
⭐⭐2
October 14, 2017
Un clásico entre la literatura religiosa que proliferó en el s. XIX. Para un lector moderno, a veces todas las florituras y adornos con que el autor ha llenado esta obrita pueden llegar a ser tediosas, por decir lo menos, pero con un poco de paciencia se encuentran datos interesantes y curiosos acerca de los inicios de la Iglesia en la época de las persecuciones.
Narra la historia de Fabiola, noble joven romana, orgullosa, arrogante y filósofa y su lenta pero constante conversión al cristianismo, religión que ella misma, al igual que la mayoría de los gentiles, despreciaban por considerarla un conjunto de "supersticiones de la plebe". El autor no trata de hacer un libro apegado a la historia, por lo que encontraremos algunos errores, muy obvios unos pocos y más sutiles otros, pero de nuevo, el autor no es historiador más que de la Iglesia Católica, por lo que abundan referencias a las Actas de los Mártires y obras de santos como Agustín.
En resumen, un libro entretenido con una trama dramática y aleccionadora que vale la pena ser leído por niños, jóvenes y adultos.
Narra la historia de Fabiola, noble joven romana, orgullosa, arrogante y filósofa y su lenta pero constante conversión al cristianismo, religión que ella misma, al igual que la mayoría de los gentiles, despreciaban por considerarla un conjunto de "supersticiones de la plebe". El autor no trata de hacer un libro apegado a la historia, por lo que encontraremos algunos errores, muy obvios unos pocos y más sutiles otros, pero de nuevo, el autor no es historiador más que de la Iglesia Católica, por lo que abundan referencias a las Actas de los Mártires y obras de santos como Agustín.
En resumen, un libro entretenido con una trama dramática y aleccionadora que vale la pena ser leído por niños, jóvenes y adultos.
July 2, 2022
Un libro bastante interesante; el cual, al principio yo creí que se trataría de una historia de amor; sin embargo, estaba lejos de eso.
Esta es la historia de los primeros cristianos, concretamente en Roma, y las persecuciones de las que fueron objeto. Pero también es la historia de Fabiola, Sebastián, Pancracio, Inés y Syra; de los mártires que dieron su vida por Jesucristo y por su fe.
El autor es un cardenal, por lo que puedo entender que contenga páginas y páginas de descripciones y hechos teológicos e históricos, lo que lo hace un poco denso y algo tedioso si no estás acostumbrado a leer éste tipo de descripciones largas y detalladas.
Aunque toda la trama gira en torno a Fabiola, ella es sólo una de múltiples personajes, lo que enriquece el libro. Además, también tiene un mensaje de esperanza y fe para los que somos creyentes.
En definitiva, si quieres conocer sobre los mártires de los primeros siglos de la Iglesia de una manera novelada, este libro es una buena opción; eso sí, debe leerse con calma.
Esta es la historia de los primeros cristianos, concretamente en Roma, y las persecuciones de las que fueron objeto. Pero también es la historia de Fabiola, Sebastián, Pancracio, Inés y Syra; de los mártires que dieron su vida por Jesucristo y por su fe.
El autor es un cardenal, por lo que puedo entender que contenga páginas y páginas de descripciones y hechos teológicos e históricos, lo que lo hace un poco denso y algo tedioso si no estás acostumbrado a leer éste tipo de descripciones largas y detalladas.
Aunque toda la trama gira en torno a Fabiola, ella es sólo una de múltiples personajes, lo que enriquece el libro. Además, también tiene un mensaje de esperanza y fe para los que somos creyentes.
En definitiva, si quieres conocer sobre los mártires de los primeros siglos de la Iglesia de una manera novelada, este libro es una buena opción; eso sí, debe leerse con calma.
September 11, 2023
I read Fabiola because my seventh-grader daughter was about to star as Fabiola in an elementary and middle-school homeschoolers' production of an adaptation written for children by an inspired playwright out of Washington state. We're in Indiana, so the play has obviously been going places. As for the historical novel, I'll say it's a gem, with some caveats. If you would enjoy learning about the early Christian Church through the eyes of a pious author, then this conversion story is for you. If any of the above is not of interest, however (early Christian Church, pious author, conversion story) I wouldn't recommend it. The psychology of the characters is not particularly complex, and the description of Roman life under Diocletian may or may not be historically accurate--though I doubt it's egregiously or intentionally misleading--but envisioning pre-Christian Rome itself, and particularly the phenomenon of believers willing to be martyrs, can be interesting in itself.
January 2, 2019
Este libro lo empecé a leer gracias a una recomendación de mi Obispo y ha sido sin lugar a dudas una de las mejores recomendaciones literarias que he recibido. Es un excelente libro, que nos cuenta la vida de los primeros cristianos, en especial de San Sebastián, Santa Inés y otros más.
La forma en la que está escrito, es simplemente maravillosa, salpicada de grandes frases a veces con un gran contenido teológico, que invitan a la reflexión profunda, el libro entero es una interpelación a nuestra vida como cristiano a la vez que nos enseña un poco sobre la historia de la Iglesia Católica.
A pesar de que es un libro relativamente corto y que se puede leer rápido, lo mejor es sentarse a disfrutar y a saborear cada página, a reflexionar el texto.
Totalmente recomendado, debería de ser un libro imprescindible en nuestras bibliotecas.
La forma en la que está escrito, es simplemente maravillosa, salpicada de grandes frases a veces con un gran contenido teológico, que invitan a la reflexión profunda, el libro entero es una interpelación a nuestra vida como cristiano a la vez que nos enseña un poco sobre la historia de la Iglesia Católica.
A pesar de que es un libro relativamente corto y que se puede leer rápido, lo mejor es sentarse a disfrutar y a saborear cada página, a reflexionar el texto.
Totalmente recomendado, debería de ser un libro imprescindible en nuestras bibliotecas.
May 23, 2022
I enjoyed the story and the dramatization of the early church. It's a compelling work, showing how the earliest Christians stood up to severe persecution, not shrinking from death.
I did not enjoy the torturous insertions of Roman Catholic doctrines that were not established until centuries later (the sinlessness of Mary, praying to the saints rather than to God himself, the use of images in worship, etc.) It grated against my Protestant nerves. But the author was a strong Catholic, so it was to be expected that he'd promote his own sect so forcefully, and it was written as an encouragement to Catholics.
It's definitely worth the listen for the story, in my opinion.
I did not enjoy the torturous insertions of Roman Catholic doctrines that were not established until centuries later (the sinlessness of Mary, praying to the saints rather than to God himself, the use of images in worship, etc.) It grated against my Protestant nerves. But the author was a strong Catholic, so it was to be expected that he'd promote his own sect so forcefully, and it was written as an encouragement to Catholics.
It's definitely worth the listen for the story, in my opinion.
February 2, 2023
Se nota la escritura propia del S.XIX, pero sin duda es una novela muy edificante. Aunque tiene elementos un tanto erróneos, como el uso de pan ácimo en la celebración de la eucaristía por parte de los primeros cristianos. Eso en Roma es muy posterior, en época de Carlomagno. En los primeros años de la cristiandad romana se uso, al igual como lo hacemos los ortodoxos, pan con levadura. Pero son detalles en los cuales el autor quizá no reparó.
July 9, 2017
Complete but with some errors
I enjoyed this book, it is perfectly written and well documented. I liked this edition, it has even some drawings, but there are many typing errors that sometimes make the phrases incomprehensible.
I enjoyed this book, it is perfectly written and well documented. I liked this edition, it has even some drawings, but there are many typing errors that sometimes make the phrases incomprehensible.
October 2, 2020
This is a very gripping story of the beginnings of Christianity during the ancient Roman persecution. It is geared toward older readers and can be a little difficult to comprehend for younger people. It is not light reading, but well worth the effort.
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