A Rich Young Man: A Novel Based on the Life of Saint Anthony of Padua

by John E. Beahn

St. Anthony of Padua has been a friend to millions of Catholics asking his help to recover lost objects. But few seem to know much about his remarkable life. The son of a knight in the court of Portugal's king, he renounced his heritage of wealth and power to become a Franciscan priest. In the years to come, he earned international fame as a preacher, reformer, miracle worker, champion of the poor, and Doctor of the Church.

A generation ago, the American Catholic novelist John Edward Beahn presented Anthony's life and legends in a biographical novel, A Rich Young A Novel Based on the Life of St. Anthony of Padua , published in 1953. This imaginative re-telling of the saint s story, based on historical records and traditions, now comes to life again in the TAN Legend series of biographical fiction.

The tale unfolds in the epic setting of medieval Europe of the thirteenth century. Monarchs, courtiers, churchmen, knights, nobles and serfs maneuver like chess pieces in an elaborate game of alliances and conflicts between Church and state, Christian and Muslim, Catholic and heretic. Anthony's story takes us from North Africa where divine providence saved the young friar from his mistaken zeal for martyrdom to Italy and France, where his extraordinary gifts and heroic passion for God blazed a path to the rescue and conversion of countless souls.

This TAN Legend edition of A Rich Young A Novel Based on the Life of St. Anthony of Padua paints a rich, fascinating portrait of an astonishing saint who turned the medieval Christian world upside down.

Genres: Historical Fiction

348 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1953

About the author

John Edward Beahn (1910-1990) was born in Philadelphia, served in the United States Army during World War II, and became a business executive who discovered his writing gifts later in life. He contribute articles to several Catholic magazines and wrote popular biographical novels of the saints.

Reviews

[Benjamin K. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good historical fiction novel about St. Anthony of Padua's life, focusing on the acceptance of his vocation and how he learned to let go of the pride that was keeping him from fully loving and serving God.

While the book started off a bit slow due to some descriptions of his childhood home and some early days that could have been shortened, it soon after becomes an easy read and a page turner. Good read for teens, especially those who are beginning to prayerfully consider their own vocations.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating story! I had no idea who St. Anthony was but his is such an inspiring story I recommend it to everyone.

[Wayne Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love

What can I say? If you love JESUS you will love this book. also St. Anthony is love. This book is great.

[Jaden Fontes · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Rich Young Man takes place in medieval Europe of the thirteenth century. Rulers, subjects, churchmen, knights, nobles and serfs move like chess pieces in a detailed round of collisions and clashes among Chapel and state, Christian and Muslim, Catholic and blasphemer. Saint Anthony's story takes us from North Africa where divine provision spared the youthful minister from his confused enthusiasm with suffering to Italy and France, where his exceptional blessings and courageous energy for God blasted a way to the salvage and transformation of innumerable spirits.

[Rosa DA · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars because the beginning of the book didn't convince me: the author focused too much in talking about the saint's behavior when he was a child but didn't develop the psychology of the character. Therefore, the character's decisions seemed impulsive. However, by the middle of the book it got very good, as one sees a change in the Saint and those that surrounded him. The author was very good in providing historical background of the time and intertwining it with the saint's life. By the end of the book, I loved it.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe I do like historical fiction. Or maybe (as I maintain), I just like good writing.
That's what this is: good writing. Tan Books is doing all of us a service, making these books available. It's fiction that's heartening. It's entertaining and educational.

Did I mention it's good writing? Well then. Go read it.

[Joe · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was good, but not quite as fulfilling or interesting as it could have been. It certainly does not take the place of a biography, it fails to capture very much of his spirit or holiness, and has very little about it that is remarkable or inspiring. It was not a bad story and was fairly entertaining to read, but I think the author could have done more given the subject matter.

[ShepherdsDelight · Rating 5 out of 5]

89/100 (= 5.3/6) ≈ 5 Stars

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Wonderful read. Very unique style of writing. Long descriptions, very deliberate explanations. Step by step, up in the saint's head. Deep spiritual aspect might be missing slightly here as well (insight into his interior life). But an adventurous, captivating read.