La città di Dio

by Louis de Wohl, Elena Cantoni (Translator)

Le strade dell'antica Roma sono in tumulto per la visita ufficiale di Teodorico, re degli Ostrogoti e nuovo re d'Italia. Tra la folla si nasconde un ragazzino determinato ad assassinare il conquistatore barbaro, ma il tentativo viene stroncato sul nascere dalle guardie reali. Il giovane attentatore si chiama Pietro ed è il figlio adottivo del nobile filosofo romano Boezio. A portarlo in salvo è Benedetto, giovane studente, che diventerà suo tutore. Inizia così la storia di Benedetto da Norcia: in una Roma in rovina, lasciva e immorale, dominata dalle forze barbariche. Un deserto spirituale dal quale Benedetto saprà allontanarsi, trascorrendo lunghi anni in solitudine per poi dare vita a comunità religiose destinate a diventare fulgidi esempi della sua Regola, fino alla fondazione del celebre monastero di Montecassino, la cittadella di Dio: dentro e fuori le sue mura san Benedetto saprà lasciare un'impronta indelebile.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Catholic, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Faith, Classics

384 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1959

About the author

Mr. de Wohl was a Knight Commander of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and his wife (nee Ruth Magdalene Lorch, whom he married in 1953) is a Lady Commander of the same Order. His fifty books include The Living Wood (Lippincott, 1947), Imperial Renegade (id., 1950), The Restless Flame (id., 1951), Throne of the World (id., 1949; published in England as Attila), The Golden Thread (Lippincott, 1952), The Second Conquest (id., 1954), Set All Afire (id., 1953), The Spear (id., 1955), and St. Joan, the Girl Soldier (Farrar, 1957) in the Vision Books series.

Reviews

[Julie Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was one of those books which Louis de Wohl devoted more to the history of the times than to the saint who was the subject of the book. I normally don't mind that because I understand that those quieter saints (Thomas Aquinas for example) don't have a lot that one can weave into a storyline a lot of the time. However I was a bit miffed because we don't see much of Benedict until the second half of the book and I wanted to see more about his establishment of his first monasteries.

Also, in this particular time period the historical bit was fairly Byzantine (ha! joke intended!) and at some point I simply didn't care any more, especially since the main characters we followed (Peter and Rusticiana) were about as unlikable as one can get.

I still got something out of it to ponder, notably Benedict's complete trust in God and that all things work to good for those who do his will. Even when they are seemingly bad. However, that isn't enough to make me love this book.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

“He passed a weary hand over his forehead. ‘I am leaving Rome,’ he said.

‘What? You are not giving up your studies?’

‘Yes, I am.’

‘But...why?’

‘There must be a shorter way and a more direct one.’

‘Where to?’

‘To God.’”

Captivating from page one, Louis de Wohl knows how to bring the Saints to life. This was a wonderful read about St. Benedict and what the state of the world was when he started his monasteries. As many have suggested, we are in a similar state today and are in need of a new St. Benedict.

[The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha · Rating 5 out of 5]

This novel is not only about the legendary St Benedict of Nursia, but also the historical circumstances of his time. While the Roman Empire of the West had fallen to the Goths, the Roman Empire of the East was still alive under Emperor Justinian. Much of the novel is about the attempted overthrow of the Goths in Italy. 


Although I found this novel to be slightly more difficult than Louis De Wohl's other works, that problem may be remedied by a list of characters:



EMPEROR JULIAN


Roman Emperor of the East, Catholic. 


We meet him as Prince Julian. His wife is the beautiful Theodora. They are opposed to the Aryan heresy and Gothic rule. Their goal is to restore the Roman Empire's boundaries. 



THEODORIC THE GREAT


The king of the Goths and the Italians, an Aryan.


Although Romans resent being ruled over by an Ostrogothic king, taxes are low and Italy is more stable than it has been in a century. He gains power after killing his rival, Odovacar, during a truce. Before dying, Odovacar curses Theodoric, saying that he will never have a son. Theodoric dies of a stroke in old age. 



AMALASWINTHA


The daughter of King Theodoric. 


Her father is disappointed that she was not a son. Her husband, Eutharic, had died of a heart condition, leaving her a widow. After Theodoric dies, she serves as regent to her son, Athalaric, until he comes of age. Her enemies try to bring him to power prematurely, but his heart gives out after a drinking bout and he dies. 


She is more open-minded about the Romans than most Goths. She makes an alliance with Emperor Justinian in order that she might stay on the throne after her son dies. She marries her cousin, Prince Theodahad, to satisfy the people who don't trust in the rule of a women. But they are married in name only, and he is but a ceremonial ruler. 


Peter buys off Theodahad, who betrays her. She is killed on an island in the middle of a lake. Theodahad is also betrayed and is killed by an enemy from his past. 



CASSIODOR


A loyal servant of Amalaswintha. He loves her, but the love is not reciprocated. 



MATASWINTHA


The daughter of Amalaswintha. 


She succeeds her mother after she dies, marrying King Witigis. When the Goths are overcome by the forces of Emperor Justinian, King Witigis offers the Gothic kingship to Belisarius. But Belisarius does not betray Emperor Justinian. King Witigis, Queen Mataswintha, and a number of Gothic commanders are sent to Byzantium in the East. Belisarius is rewarded with a position of importance in the East. 



BOETHIUS


A Roman Senator, philosopher, and the author of the Christian classic, "The Consolation of Philosophy," which he writes in prison.


He enters public service under Theodoric after his adopted son tries to assassinate the king. Years later, Theodoric sentences him to death, fearing that a conspiracy has been formed against Gothic rule. Boethius's skull is crushed to death, as he offended Theodoric through the use of his mind. 



RUSTICANA


The wife of Boethius. 


She is less tolerant of Gothic rule than her husband appears to be. After her husband is killed, she seeks revenge against the Goths. Disgusted at the ensuing bloodshed, she rejects Peter's advances and retires to St Sholastica's convent after the death of her children. 


Her sons are Manlius and Anicius. They are killed by King Totila's men. 



PETER


The adopted son of Boethius and Rusticana. 


He is in love with Rusticana. After hearing her make disparaging remarks about Gothic rule, he attempts to assassinate Theodoric with a stylus as the king passes by in a procession. A guard kicks him aside, and St Benedict rescues him from being trampled by horses. Boethius then hires St Benedict to be Peter's teacher. 


Peter tells St Benedict that he would rather use people than be used by them. Before parting ways, St Benedict tells him that they will meet again when Peter is in need of him. 


Peter promises Rusticana to avenge Boethius's death in exchange for her love, and she accepts. He spends his life working to overthrow the Goths. Eventually, Emperor Justinian promotes him to Imperial Governor of Italy and Sicily. 


He shares authority with Alexander, who is commissioned to raise taxes for Emperor Justinian. But Alexander is cruel and exorbitant, such that the people want to return to Gothic rule. Totila is proclaimed King of the Goths by his fellow soldiers and pursues Peter all the way to Mount Casinum, where St Benedict has established his principal monastery. St Benedict stops King Totila in his tracks, saving Peter's life temporarily. But Peter is eventually killed by the Goths while transporting Rusticana to St Sholastica's convent. He blames himself for the death of her sons. 



MARCIA


Rusticana's freed-woman servant who enters St Scholastica's convent along with her. 



ST SCHOLASTICA


St Benedict's twin sister who establishes a convent at Mount Casinum. 



POPE AGAPETUS I


The son of the Roman priest, Gordianus. His father who was slain during the riots that broke out over the conflict between Pope Symmachus and Bishop Laurentius of Nuceria, an anti-Pope. 



POPE JOHN I


King Theodoric sends him to Byzantium, forcing him to ask Emperor Julian to restore certain church buildings to the Aryans. The Catholic emperor refuses, and Theodoric imprisons the pope for his failure until he dies. 



POPE SILVERIUS


Antonia, the wife of Belisarius, forges the pope's handwriting, making it appear that he is in secret communication with the Goths. The pope is deposed and sent to a secret island, where he is starved to death.



LEILA


Tries to seduce St Benedict at a party, but fails. 


Florentine, her husband, is studying to be a priest, albeit a worldly one. He grows jealous of St Benedict and tries to poison him with bad bread. But St Benedict's eagle flies it away. On another occasion, Florentine employs 7 prostitutes to destroy St  Benedict's monks. The result is that St Benedict leaves the area, establishing his principal monastery at Mount Casinum. 


Watching St Benedict's departure, Florentine dies when the balcony upon which he stands crumbles underfoot. 



CYRILLA


She promises St Benedict's parents that she will always look after him. 


She witnesses the miracle of the bolter. (St Benedict restores an ancient bolter through prayer after it is broken.)



HERMOPHILUS


The priest of Apollo at the pagan temple on Mount Casinum. 


He is deposed upon St Benedict's arrival. 



EQUITIUS and TERTULLUS


They leave their boys Maurus and Placidus at Monte Casinum as Oblates. 


Tertullus gives Monte Casinum to St Benedict as a gift. 


St Benedict envisions Placidus drowning and commands Maurus to rush out and save him. He finds himself walking on water to save the other boy. 


On another occasion, St Benedict heals the body of another oblate, Virus, after his body is crushed by a falling wall. 



ST BENEDICT OF NURSIA


He abandons the decadence of Rome to nurture the presence of God within. 


He establishes a dozen monasteries of a dozen monks each, before establishing his principal monastery at Monte Casinum. 


"There is an ancient and rather curious prophecy, going back to the good old days of the famous Oracle of Delphi, I believe, that the end of the Academy of Athens would come only when a new seat of wisdom was built elsewhere..." (p. 228). 


"Rotten senators. Murderous Goths. Cheating merchants, whores, scoundrels, adulterers, thieves, and cut-throats. Barbarian robbers, perverts, pleasure-seekers, charlatans, and time-wasters... Why should God go on caring for such a world? So a man called Benedictus builds a place where everything is done for God's sake alone, with a constant stream of prayer going up in this chant of theirs; where men don't own a thing and therefore have everything. He can't build that kind of place on Palate Hill or in the middle if Suburbia--only in solitude. But he's still on earth, and that chant of theirs is like a living chord, a rope he throws up to heaven, and God takes it and holds the earth in balance with it" (p. 171). 

[Anna McCarty · Rating 4 out of 5]

With de Wohl, my standards are just too high after his ‘Lay Siege to Heaven’, (which may be his finest work, biased opinion).

That being said, on to Citadel…

A few main characters are highlighted, with their stories interwoven throughout. I would say my biggest ‘gripe’ is that the book was less about Benedict than I anticipated. Nevertheless, the history was intriguing and inspired me to research and learn more about the Goths, Huns and Byzantine Empire.

In all, Louis beautifully shows the condition of fallen human nature through characters that struggle between good and evil - those who fall prey to worldly enticements that the reader can empathize with, while simultaneously urging the characters to choose what is right. It is juxtaposed with Benedict and his unwavering constancy to do good, and the contrast helps one to appreciate the heroism of the just throughout the novel.

Though not my top read, de Wohl never fails to have some soul-stirring lines. I loved the brief notes about St. Scholastica and wanted more!

‘A Saint was a lover; he was in love with God. A true lover was happiest when talking to the beloved, and next to that, when he could talk about the beloved. Whatever he did, said, or thought would always encompass the beloved or be encompassed by the beloved…’

May we be in love with God, our beloved, and delight most in His presence…and ever talk of Him and be encompassed by Him!

[Amanda Weaver · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have have loved the other books I've read by Louis de Wohl, but this one I didn't. It was much more about what was going on in Rome during the time St. Benedict lived than about St. Benedict's life. The book was well-written as usual for Louis de Wohl. It just didn't appeal to me as much as his others.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The fact that I want a thing, does not make that thing either better or worse. What God wants must be good. To do what he wants is duty and sacrifice only when I don't want to do it, but when I do, it's joy. In fact, there is no greater joy. There can't be. When the day comes for you to decide about your aim in life, ask yourself first whether it can be want God wants, and if the answer is an honest yes, go and do it and you will be happy, whatever comes." (page 89)

"A saint was a lover; he was in love with God. A true lover was happiest when talking to the beloved, and next to that, when he could talk about the beloved. Whatever he did, said, or thought would always encompass the beloved or be encompassed by the beloved. Lesser men were like the moon, reflecting the divine fire as light, but the lover, the saint, was like the sun, lit up by the divine fire, burning and yet not consumed." (page 309)

[Kerstin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louis de Wohl is such a good writer. This is the second book I read of him, and the way he brings a historical epoch to life is most enjoyable.
Even though this is a retelling of Saint Benedict of Nursia, his story is interwoven with Boethius, his family, and the turbulent time when the Ostrogoths ruled Italy under King Theodoric the Great and his successors. Benedict's story is at times quite in the background, but for all the political wranglings of the time, or thereafter, proud and power-hungry men clamoring for fame and historical legacy, they are just a blip in history, many forgotten to all but the most ardent history buffs. It is the Benedictines, quietly living on Monte Cassino who are still there 1500 years later.

[Matthew · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the view into the late Roman & Byzantine empires (quite a contrast between the two!), and there was a quite a bit of spy intrigue that was fun to witness. Whenever he appeared, the holy St. Benedict was the quintessential opposite of the less-likable Peter. I thought it was mainly in line with other de Wohl historical fiction novels, in that the focus SEEMS to the casual reader to be about several other characters but the saint, even though the saint maintains an almost larger than life presence over the novel.

[Fred · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great account of the lives of Boethius and Benedict. Looking at Wikipedia afterward, I saw that Boethius and Benedict were born about the same time, and that Boethius is a Christian martyr. De Wohl has a knack for making history vivid with contemporary implications.

[SiSApis · Rating 5 out of 5]

For admirers of _Quo Vadis_ : return to Rome, as the Empire cracks. Strange occurrences, war, political intrigue, romantic obsession, the fate of an empire, human nature--corrupt and pathetic, twisted, sad, comical, and sublime--the beginning of the end.

[Cristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

While I would have liked to have more of a focus on St Benedict, the story itself is well researched and beautifully told. So many legendary tales of st benedict are woven into the story, nearly seamlessly, so that they are not forced but rather aid in the telling of the story.

[Judy Olmanson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not ad good as I expected. Too little focus on St. Benedict. Hardly about him at all.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now i know why 16 Popes have taken the name, Benedict!

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

*3.5 stars*

The book focused more on the politics and rulers at the time rather than the life of Saint Benedict. The last 50 or so pages helped tie things together well, but I struggled with all of the names and geographic locations mentioned throughout the book.

[Leslie Moellering · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish more of the story was actually about St Benedict, but that would be hard to do without possibly falling into error. Mystery is perhaps better. We do see enough of his life to be interesting and the author gives a good idea of what Italy was like during Benedict's life.

[Stephen Prater · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical fiction account of Rome during the 500s, with a heavy focus on the life of Saint Benedict. Very engaging novel. The characters are well developed and the story moves quickly.

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high hopes for really liking this book, but I was pretty disappointed in it. I vacillated between giving it a two at times, a four at others. I was going to give it a 3 but honestly now that I'm reviewing it I can't even give it that.

I would not really call it a novel about St. Benedict. It's really about the political intrigues in Rome during the Gothic reign of Italy. St. Benedict shows up very rarely and briefly and the times when he does it often seems a bit forced, like de Wohl realized he hadn't mentioned him for a long time and had to throw something in. It's often just a vague reference that "the holy man on the mountain was the one person that knew such and such a thing was going to happen."

It was somewhat interesting for awhile but I lost more and more interest as the book dragged on. It didn't help that the characters that feature most prominently are so incredibly unlikable. I found it hard to follow the plot but that may have been because my eyes were glazing over from boredom of chapter after chapter describing someone having other people killed.

It's really too bad, I've loved de Wohl's novels most of the time but I honestly really wish I could get back the hours I spent reading this. Meh. It does have some lovely prose, I'll give it that.

[Luka · Rating 3 out of 5]

So... I don't hate the book, but I am a bit disappointed. It seems like the author was confused about which story to tell. Does the story have St. Benedict in it? Yes. But it doesn't feel like we got to know a lot about him. The story was more centered around the political situation and Gothic invasion of Rome, making Benedict's story completely secondary, as well as making him a supporting character.

Or, here's an idea, maybe Louis de Wohl intended to show the 'main' character's modesty by not letting him overshadow the problems people faced during those difficult times. If that was the case, I must say it's a brilliant characterization of the book which then, by itself, served as a personification of the aforementioned saint and his work as an individual.

Other things that threw me off a bit as an archaeologist, are some descriptions of medical issues of the people, which seemed way too modern for the sixth-century plot setting.

Anyway, it was a good book if you put some thought into what it may represent, but it lacks much of the titular character's story.

[Therese · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not my favourite of De Wohl's but he gives an excellent depiction of the various political and religious conflicts/climate of the time of St Benedict and how he and his order was and is a much needed breath of fresh air. It is also great for the gems of wisdom by both Benedict and Boethius interspersed throughout the book.

[Daniel Vidal · Rating 3 out of 5]

Highlights:
The book provides a lovely historical context and utilizes historical characters wisely. The plot is exciting and engaging.

Lowlights:
However, it focuses heavily on historical details, with few stories about Saint Benedict himself.

Regardless, I recommend the book.

[Chanticleer · Rating 5 out of 5]

a really good novel, this book had a huge impact on me

[Fr. Luis Felipe Villalobos · Rating 5 out of 5]

The City of God” by Louis de Wohl is a masterful historical novel that offers a vivid portrayal of the decline of the Roman Empire under the pressure of the Gothic invasions. Amid the chaos and cultural collapse, de Wohl weaves a parallel narrative centered on the life and mission of St. Benedict—presented as a beacon of light and hope for a disoriented world. The contrast between the decaying empire and the spiritual renewal ushered in by Benedict is striking and deeply inspiring. The final pages are a true masterpiece, powerfully depicting the death of a civilization and inviting profound reflection on the fleeting nature of worldly glory when compared to the eternal Kingdom of God, ruled by the one true and everlasting King

[Mary Ellen Barringer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I gave this book a 3.5 for many of the reasons other readers have given. The last part of the book was almost exclusively about the politics between the Goths, Justin I and Rome, with little about St. Benedict.

So little is really known about St Benedict and de Wohl wove a story that included him during this very interesting time in history. Much intrigue and cloche and dagger behavior. It is worth reading and most of the characters in the book are historic.

Another example of truth being more interesting than fiction!

[Michael Guillen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful!

The author is a gifted storyteller who brings the distant past to life brilliantly. And in doing so, he reminds us of the awe and wonder of human spirituality, that mysterious attribute that enables us to connect with our Creator. An attribute sorely needed in today's secular, vacuous culture.

[Marianne R · Rating 5 out of 5]

Engaging and fascinating story

St Benedict is well known. To read his story in the context of what was happening in the world during his time, was very engaging. I enjoyed the characters created.

[Rainee · Rating 5 out of 5]

“A saint was a lover; he was in love with God. A true lover was happiest when talking to the beloved, and next ti that, when he could talk about the beloved.”

Lord, make me a saint!

This book was SO good. Big fan of Louis de Wohl - s/o to a dear friend for introducing me!

[Pablo Rodriguez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting enough story, but there is very little about Saint Benedict in here. It is historical fiction about the world of Rome during the fourth century. The monasteries founded by Benedict are a very fringe part of the story.

[Michele Trabucco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great description of historical situation of the time but very few attention tho the real life, historic and spiritual experience of sain Benedict.

[Crystal · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was a little disappointed in this as the title specifically says "about Saint Benedict". This is actually a novel about Rome and Benedict is more of a side story.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book immensely! It had just the perfect amount of political intrigue to make it interesting, but not over the top.