The Life of Teresa of Jesus. The Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila. Translated by E. Allison Peers; from the Critical Edition of P. Silvario De Santa Teresa, C.D.

by St. Teresa of Avila; E. Allison Peers (ed.)

Mass Market Paperback

Published January 1, 1960

Reviews

[Ines · Rating 5 out of 5]

St.Teresa is the first woman doctor of the Catholic church. She was accorded the title well after her death. She is universally recognized for her works on prayer. The first two hundred pages were a bit of a slog partly because St Teresa wrote it in the 1500’s and so, the language takes “a little getting used to”. Additionally, I was expecting an account of her life in chronological order - you know, “autobiography” sort of makes you expect that. The book is more an account of her mystical experiences with God. For me, it is the last third of the book that shone and opened up new ways to think of prayer and the soul. This was a very different book for me both in genre and subject matter. I almost gave up after the first 100 pages, but I am so glad I didn’t. I got to know this amazing woman of the Middle Ages in an unexpected way. She gave me a new perspective on a personal relationship with God and left me curious for more. Nicely done, Teresa of Avila!