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The Story of a Family: The Home of St. Thérèse of Lisieux
Fabulously captivating and popular life of the Martin family, showing the background that helped produce "the greatest Saint of Modern Times." (St. Pius X). A profound reading experience; tears at one's heartstrings. Great for the whole family. 464 pgs, PB
484 pages, Paperback
First published October 1, 1994
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235 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 30, 2008
This book has inspired me and helped me in so many ways, especially at difficult times of my life. Zelie (St. Therese's mother) comes alive within the pages of this book. She was a voracious letter writer all her life and many excerpts of her letters (and others) are in this book. She was very holy and St. Therese's family life is fascinating to read about through the letters and remembrances of her family members.
March 10, 2023
The Story of a Family
is an excellent companion read to St. Thérèse’s better-known, Story of a Soul: The Autobiography of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, from which it takes its name. I chose to read
Family
first in my study of the saint this year because it begins with her exceptional family life, focusing heavily on her recently canonized parents, Louis and Zélie Martin.
Although originally written in 1946, if you have a recent edition of The Story of a Family , it will include updated information at the end on the beatification and canonization of Louis and Zélie. On October 18, 2015, they became the first married couple in the history of the Catholic church to be recognized as saints.
Talk about an uplifting book and a charming family! The Martins were a close-knit family who loved the LORD first and each other in and through Him. The parents set the tone and example of family life, showing and molding the children from their earliest days in how to live a holy life. And yet, neither the book, nor family life were sanctimonious, but rather, full of warmth, humor and the laughter of little children.
The Martins enjoyed many of the same things most families enjoy: walking, birdwatching, fishing, gardening, reading aloud, playing games, sing-alongs and going traveling—especially pilgrimages to the many shrines and beautiful cathedrals in the area—but also to the seaside and daily and week-end Mass. But what they loved most of all, was just being together. They genuinely liked and loved each other; this love was nurtured by the parent’s love for one another.
And yet, it would also be wrong to paint their lives as all roses. They had more than their fair share of struggles over the years: the loss of four of their nine children, enduring the ravages of the War of 1870, including billeting soldiers, long hours of work for both parents, financial worries, health and discipline problems with Leonie for years and the early death at 45 of Mme. Martin of a very painful breast cancer. Then, as single parent, Louis, though rejoicing in his daughters’ religious vocations, also had to let go of each, one by one, while he in turn experienced a series of diminishing brain attacks which left him more and more debilitated, unstable and eventually unable to be left alone. Finally, he had to be institutionalized for his own safety. It is hard to say who this bitter pill affected more, this extremely pious but also very private man or his devoted daughters. Either way it was a three-year ordeal for all, a family Calvary, until he finally got to where he could no longer leave the bed and then he could be brought home to the loving care of his last remaining daughter, Céline. She cared for him until his death in 1894 when she also applied for and was admitted to the same Carmel at Lisieux where her other three sisters were.
I think it would be impossible to read this book and not be moved by this incredible family, saints all, I am quite sure. Louis, Zélie, Marie, Pauline, Leonie, Céline and Thérèse, please pray for us!
Although originally written in 1946, if you have a recent edition of The Story of a Family , it will include updated information at the end on the beatification and canonization of Louis and Zélie. On October 18, 2015, they became the first married couple in the history of the Catholic church to be recognized as saints.
Talk about an uplifting book and a charming family! The Martins were a close-knit family who loved the LORD first and each other in and through Him. The parents set the tone and example of family life, showing and molding the children from their earliest days in how to live a holy life. And yet, neither the book, nor family life were sanctimonious, but rather, full of warmth, humor and the laughter of little children.
The Martins enjoyed many of the same things most families enjoy: walking, birdwatching, fishing, gardening, reading aloud, playing games, sing-alongs and going traveling—especially pilgrimages to the many shrines and beautiful cathedrals in the area—but also to the seaside and daily and week-end Mass. But what they loved most of all, was just being together. They genuinely liked and loved each other; this love was nurtured by the parent’s love for one another.
And yet, it would also be wrong to paint their lives as all roses. They had more than their fair share of struggles over the years: the loss of four of their nine children, enduring the ravages of the War of 1870, including billeting soldiers, long hours of work for both parents, financial worries, health and discipline problems with Leonie for years and the early death at 45 of Mme. Martin of a very painful breast cancer. Then, as single parent, Louis, though rejoicing in his daughters’ religious vocations, also had to let go of each, one by one, while he in turn experienced a series of diminishing brain attacks which left him more and more debilitated, unstable and eventually unable to be left alone. Finally, he had to be institutionalized for his own safety. It is hard to say who this bitter pill affected more, this extremely pious but also very private man or his devoted daughters. Either way it was a three-year ordeal for all, a family Calvary, until he finally got to where he could no longer leave the bed and then he could be brought home to the loving care of his last remaining daughter, Céline. She cared for him until his death in 1894 when she also applied for and was admitted to the same Carmel at Lisieux where her other three sisters were.
I think it would be impossible to read this book and not be moved by this incredible family, saints all, I am quite sure. Louis, Zélie, Marie, Pauline, Leonie, Céline and Thérèse, please pray for us!
October 12, 2015
We are less than a week away from having two new saints in the Church - Louis and Zélie Martin! I have a family of friends who are so excited for their canonization, you'd think they were distant relatives of theirs. For those of you unfamiliar with these two future saints, they are the parents of St. Thérèse of Lisieux as well as many other children including four nuns! They were truly a holy family and a model for us all, and I believe we should read more about them, so that we can emulate them. TAN Books is one of the best sources for books about the Martin family, and I'd like to tell you about a few of them today.
The Story of a Family was published in the 1940s, reprinted in 1994 by TAN Books, and now has been reprinted again in 2015 in time for the canonization of Louis and Zélie Martin. The book is only fifteen chapters in length, but it is full of detail as it spans 400+ pages. The book begins by giving us a backstory of the two parents and their early years. We learn that Louis was a watchmaker and Zélie was a lacemaker. It was these two professions that led to their chance meeting. Both felt a call to the religious life, but chose to marry. Interestingly enough, after marriage, Louis Martin wanted to live a celibate married life, like Mary and Joseph, but Zélie had strong maternal instincts. We also learn about the children they had, the children they lost, and a great deal about Thérèse.
Chapter 13 - 'The Offering of the Children" was my favorite chapter. In this chapter, we learn of the Martins deep desire to give birth a future priest. They lost two boys, and therefore their hope was lost after this. However, with each girl, they had dreams, which came true, of populating the cloister. "They were not of the number of those pusillanimous parents who dread sacrificing to God what they have no hesitation in handing over to a creature." It was surprising to me to read these words, not because they were so accepting and encouraging of religious vocations, but because even that far in the past, parents were still hesitant to embrace the idea of religious vocations for their children. May the Martins serve as an example for all of us with children!
I have two final observations to leave you with regarding this book. First, the true treasure of this book is found in the images. We as Catholics have a lot of older saints who we see depicted in ancient artwork, but no real actual photographic evidence. Being able to see actual pictures of these recent saints, help demonstrate to us that they were humans just like us, and that we too can be saints if we follow their examples and say Yes to Jesus! Second, the age of the book is reflected in the writing style and language, but that doesn't mean that it is impossible to read. As a fan of classic literature, I personally enjoy that style, but it isn't for everyone. I for one am grateful that this book is back in print, and think it is a very good introduction to the Martin family. After reading this, I plan to read some more books about the Martin family, mainly The Father of the Little Flower, The Mother of the Little Flower, and My Sister Saint Thérèse. All of these were written by Sr. Genevieve of the Holy Face (Celine Martin), the sister of St. Thérèse and should provide a more personal and intimate look at the Martins.
The Story of a Family was published in the 1940s, reprinted in 1994 by TAN Books, and now has been reprinted again in 2015 in time for the canonization of Louis and Zélie Martin. The book is only fifteen chapters in length, but it is full of detail as it spans 400+ pages. The book begins by giving us a backstory of the two parents and their early years. We learn that Louis was a watchmaker and Zélie was a lacemaker. It was these two professions that led to their chance meeting. Both felt a call to the religious life, but chose to marry. Interestingly enough, after marriage, Louis Martin wanted to live a celibate married life, like Mary and Joseph, but Zélie had strong maternal instincts. We also learn about the children they had, the children they lost, and a great deal about Thérèse.
Chapter 13 - 'The Offering of the Children" was my favorite chapter. In this chapter, we learn of the Martins deep desire to give birth a future priest. They lost two boys, and therefore their hope was lost after this. However, with each girl, they had dreams, which came true, of populating the cloister. "They were not of the number of those pusillanimous parents who dread sacrificing to God what they have no hesitation in handing over to a creature." It was surprising to me to read these words, not because they were so accepting and encouraging of religious vocations, but because even that far in the past, parents were still hesitant to embrace the idea of religious vocations for their children. May the Martins serve as an example for all of us with children!
I have two final observations to leave you with regarding this book. First, the true treasure of this book is found in the images. We as Catholics have a lot of older saints who we see depicted in ancient artwork, but no real actual photographic evidence. Being able to see actual pictures of these recent saints, help demonstrate to us that they were humans just like us, and that we too can be saints if we follow their examples and say Yes to Jesus! Second, the age of the book is reflected in the writing style and language, but that doesn't mean that it is impossible to read. As a fan of classic literature, I personally enjoy that style, but it isn't for everyone. I for one am grateful that this book is back in print, and think it is a very good introduction to the Martin family. After reading this, I plan to read some more books about the Martin family, mainly The Father of the Little Flower, The Mother of the Little Flower, and My Sister Saint Thérèse. All of these were written by Sr. Genevieve of the Holy Face (Celine Martin), the sister of St. Thérèse and should provide a more personal and intimate look at the Martins.
August 22, 2022
"Quem quer que houvesse penetrado o segredo daquela cena de intimidade, por mais imbuído que estivesse de modernismo, teria repetido espontâneamente o grito de admiração dos pagãos da primitiva Igreja: .
É a lição legada ao mundo por aquele lar ideal: a arte suprema de encontrar a felicidade num amor sem egoísmo, todo impregnado da caridade de Cristo"
Último parágrafo do livro que tudo resume!
É a lição legada ao mundo por aquele lar ideal: a arte suprema de encontrar a felicidade num amor sem egoísmo, todo impregnado da caridade de Cristo"
Último parágrafo do livro que tudo resume!
April 3, 2010
The Story of a Family; The Home of St Therese of Lisieux is about the parents and home life of St. Therese (The Little Flower). I have to admit, although I have read and enjoyed a number of saint biographies, St. Therese was of no interest to me whatsoever. To me she could not compare with St. John of the Cross, St. Teresa of Avila, and St. Thomas Aquinas. You know, the smart ones. This book was “suggested” reading material for a class I am taking. And the book is fabulous. Might I even say, inspiring.
The story is mainly about Louis and Zelie Martin. Both of them came from respectable Catholic homes, though in Zelie’s case, it was rather cold and she did not get along with her mother. She loved her sister, who became a nun and wanted to follow her example. Both Louis and Zelie wanted to take religious orders and both were turned down. In disappointment, they each decided to live a chaste life, with Louis taking up clockmaking and Zelie learned the art of lace making.
After meeting and falling in love, Louis and Zelie were unsure as to how to proceed. They wanted to get married but still hold on to their individual promises of chastity. They decided to have a “chaste” marriage, which was not unheard of in that time. That lasted about ten months. They ended up having nine children, four that died, including the only two boys. The remaining five girls all entered convents of their choice. Louis and Zelie were devoted to the well-being of their children, provided over and above the current standards of education, and raised them to be honorable and charitable people.
They had many challenges in their life. Zelie battled breast cancer for almost twenty years before finally succumbing. She could not nurse most of her children, including Therese. They also lived through the Franco-Prussian War when troops took over their town and they had to house and feed enemy soldiers. Therese appeared quite late in the story as she was the youngest child and only four when her mother passed away. Her father and older sisters brought her up.
This is a well written book and doesn’t get bogged down at any point. It has good flow. The tone ran a little sentimental, which usually bugs me to no end. But this time it didn’t . Louis and Zelie were the real deal, parents devoted to their children, to each other, and to making their community a better place. While not perfect, they were decent, worthy, and caring people who’s example influenced the making of a saint.
I wish I had read this book when just starting a family. Even though this is a different time with different value sets (like that unusual devotion to chastity) they can serve as examples because of who they were. It made me realize with relief and gratitude that there really are people who live exemplary lives.
The Catholic Church is once again embroiled in scandal. I don’t think this is the end of it, There are more rocks to overturn in my opinion. The reason this is happening is because the leaders of the church chose to protect their own positions and the “sanctity” of the church rather than protect its own people. When I read the news about Pope Benedict being immune in any trials I realize they are continuing this practice. It is appalling and distressing.
After reading The Story of a Family I understand that Catholics, like all faiths, are made up of individuals that, through their own lives can change the world for the better. I recommend this book especially to Catholics, but I hope that everyone will read an inspiring story about someone from their own faith tradition. It really makes a difference.
The story is mainly about Louis and Zelie Martin. Both of them came from respectable Catholic homes, though in Zelie’s case, it was rather cold and she did not get along with her mother. She loved her sister, who became a nun and wanted to follow her example. Both Louis and Zelie wanted to take religious orders and both were turned down. In disappointment, they each decided to live a chaste life, with Louis taking up clockmaking and Zelie learned the art of lace making.
After meeting and falling in love, Louis and Zelie were unsure as to how to proceed. They wanted to get married but still hold on to their individual promises of chastity. They decided to have a “chaste” marriage, which was not unheard of in that time. That lasted about ten months. They ended up having nine children, four that died, including the only two boys. The remaining five girls all entered convents of their choice. Louis and Zelie were devoted to the well-being of their children, provided over and above the current standards of education, and raised them to be honorable and charitable people.
They had many challenges in their life. Zelie battled breast cancer for almost twenty years before finally succumbing. She could not nurse most of her children, including Therese. They also lived through the Franco-Prussian War when troops took over their town and they had to house and feed enemy soldiers. Therese appeared quite late in the story as she was the youngest child and only four when her mother passed away. Her father and older sisters brought her up.
This is a well written book and doesn’t get bogged down at any point. It has good flow. The tone ran a little sentimental, which usually bugs me to no end. But this time it didn’t . Louis and Zelie were the real deal, parents devoted to their children, to each other, and to making their community a better place. While not perfect, they were decent, worthy, and caring people who’s example influenced the making of a saint.
I wish I had read this book when just starting a family. Even though this is a different time with different value sets (like that unusual devotion to chastity) they can serve as examples because of who they were. It made me realize with relief and gratitude that there really are people who live exemplary lives.
The Catholic Church is once again embroiled in scandal. I don’t think this is the end of it, There are more rocks to overturn in my opinion. The reason this is happening is because the leaders of the church chose to protect their own positions and the “sanctity” of the church rather than protect its own people. When I read the news about Pope Benedict being immune in any trials I realize they are continuing this practice. It is appalling and distressing.
After reading The Story of a Family I understand that Catholics, like all faiths, are made up of individuals that, through their own lives can change the world for the better. I recommend this book especially to Catholics, but I hope that everyone will read an inspiring story about someone from their own faith tradition. It really makes a difference.
January 25, 2014
I am glad I finally read this book, as I feel that it represented a gap in my biographical readings on the life of St. Therese. But having already read Story of a Soul as well as the two small books "The Mother of the Little Flower" and "the Father of the Little Flower," there was not a huge amount of new information here. It was certainly still inspiring to hear again about this holy family. But the translation from the French (or maybe just the original French) seemed awkward in various places, and did not flow very well. The author seems to gloss over many things, purposely not explaining them. And he assumes a French-native's familiarity with the places, landscapes, customs, etc. - which I did not have.
March 31, 2010
The information is extremely interesting, but I found the presentation a little dry. I would definitely recommend it to any fan of St. Therese of Liseux! However, if you're not familiar with the saint, don't start with this book...read "The Story of a Soul" by St. Therese herself.
August 11, 2011
A good overview of the Martin Family, particularly St. Therese's parents. A reprint of an older book so the language is a little overly flowery but otherwise a good read.
June 12, 2019
An insightful book that provides information on the background of St. Therese's parents, as well as details of family life in the Martin home.
January 13, 2010
This is a beautiful book about St. Therese's family. Going back to her great-grandparents, Piat describes the family that surrounded and influenced Therese. We get to hear in great detail about her amazing parents, especially the trials they had to endure and their undying faith despite these hardships. Therese, her parents, and her four sisters are all presented as real, living, breathing people - these were not stuffy people who lived lives of unrealistic holiness. They were normal people who were able to serve God in their everyday lives. I especially loved the parts of the book that discussed how Therese's parents raised their children - the problems and joys they faced in the late 1800s are the same experienced by parents today.
This is just a wonderful book. It is a beautiful description of a perfect family that can serve as a model for families today.
This is just a wonderful book. It is a beautiful description of a perfect family that can serve as a model for families today.
May 28, 2008
great book! Story begins with Louis and Zelie's life before they met, going back to their parents and grandparents. Their work as lace and watch makers, and their vocation of marriage and parents. Wonderful book!
October 1, 2024
Livro muito inspirador.
A história da família de Santa Teresinha, focando nos pais dela, São Luis e Santa Zélia, e na criação das filhas. Percebemos o quanto a vida hoje é muito fácil e possivelmente por isso nos tornamos muito moles. Mesmo considerando que a família de Santa Teresinha era relativamente rica, ainda sim as cruzes sempre estiveram presentes na vida dessa santa família.
Alguns pontos interessantes sobre isso, são as orações de São Luis, em que ele reconhece, mesmo após a morte de alguns filhos e a morte da esposa, estar excessivamente feliz e com uma vida muito boa, e que sem cruzes seria difícil chegar ao céu.
Santa Zélia, na sua doença, fez uma peregrinação a Lourdes para, se fosse da vontade de Nossa Senhora, obter a cura, não com o intuito de viver mais tempo para "aproveitar" a vida, como é o que ocorre com a maioria hoje, mas sim para poder trabalhar mais para domar Leônia, uma de suas filhas, que de tão difícil, já havia sido expulsa do colégio 2 vezes. Zélia se importava profundamente com as filhas, para que fossem todas santas. Santa Zélia não foi atendida, e entendeu que sua cura não era algo que Nossa Senhora desejava.
Contudo, Leônia é atualmente Serva de Deus, e a intenção de sua mãe em sua peregrinação, de que ela se tornasse santa, parece estar em processo de ser atendida.
A família vivia o tempo litúrgico, as festas da Igreja eram sempre bem celebradas, bem como os tempos de mortificação e penitência.
São Luís e Santa Zélia sempre demonstraram uma profundidade de todas as virtudes, e para aqueles que são casados, são uma fonte de imitação, já que por sua vez foram imitadores de Cristo.
Tempo estimado de leitura: 15 horas
A história da família de Santa Teresinha, focando nos pais dela, São Luis e Santa Zélia, e na criação das filhas. Percebemos o quanto a vida hoje é muito fácil e possivelmente por isso nos tornamos muito moles. Mesmo considerando que a família de Santa Teresinha era relativamente rica, ainda sim as cruzes sempre estiveram presentes na vida dessa santa família.
Alguns pontos interessantes sobre isso, são as orações de São Luis, em que ele reconhece, mesmo após a morte de alguns filhos e a morte da esposa, estar excessivamente feliz e com uma vida muito boa, e que sem cruzes seria difícil chegar ao céu.
Santa Zélia, na sua doença, fez uma peregrinação a Lourdes para, se fosse da vontade de Nossa Senhora, obter a cura, não com o intuito de viver mais tempo para "aproveitar" a vida, como é o que ocorre com a maioria hoje, mas sim para poder trabalhar mais para domar Leônia, uma de suas filhas, que de tão difícil, já havia sido expulsa do colégio 2 vezes. Zélia se importava profundamente com as filhas, para que fossem todas santas. Santa Zélia não foi atendida, e entendeu que sua cura não era algo que Nossa Senhora desejava.
Contudo, Leônia é atualmente Serva de Deus, e a intenção de sua mãe em sua peregrinação, de que ela se tornasse santa, parece estar em processo de ser atendida.
A família vivia o tempo litúrgico, as festas da Igreja eram sempre bem celebradas, bem como os tempos de mortificação e penitência.
São Luís e Santa Zélia sempre demonstraram uma profundidade de todas as virtudes, e para aqueles que são casados, são uma fonte de imitação, já que por sua vez foram imitadores de Cristo.
Tempo estimado de leitura: 15 horas
November 18, 2025
I really liked this book their life seemed peaceful yet full of trials like every human being has i really liked what Zelie said though she provided really good knowledge on some things. I admire the relationship that the family had with each other especially Zelie and Louis's marriage just the way it was described sounded so sweet. So i would definitely recommend this book for information on Therese and her life but this book also has other good things about it as well.
April 2, 2019
There is a lot of information here, but the writing is a bit dry.
unfinished
June 20, 2019Très intéressant, mais j’ai décroché après quelques chapitres. À continuer.
February 22, 2020
Insightful, delightful, inspiring, and so beautifully written.
August 5, 2025
I learned a lot about the family of St. Thérèse. What a beautiful and holy family!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews