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Catherine of Siena
Sigrid Undset's Catherine of Siena is critically acclaimed as one of the best biographies of this well known, and amazing fourteenth-century saint. Known for her historical fiction, which won her the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928, Undset based this factual work on primary sources, her own experiences living in Italy, and her profound understanding of the human heart. One of the greatest novelists of the twentieth century, Undset was no stranger to hagiography. Her meticulous research of medieval times, which bore such fruit in her multi-volume masterpieces Kristin Lavransdatter and The Master of Hestviken, acquainted her with some of the holy men and women produced by the Age of Faith. Their exemplary lives left a lasting impression upon the author, an impression Undset credited as one of her reasons for entering the Church in 1924. Catherine of Siena was a particular favorite of Undset, who also was a Third Order Dominican. An extraordinarily active, intelligent, and courageous woman, Catherine at an early age devoted herself to the love of God. The intensity of her prayer, sacrifice, and service to the poor won her a reputation for holiness and wisdom, and she was called upon to make peace between warring nobles. Believing that peace in Italy could be achieved only if the Pope, then living in France, returned to Rome, Catherine boldly traveled to Avignon to meet with Pope Gregory XI. With sensitivity to the zealous love of God and man that permeated the life of Saint Catherine, Undset presents a most moving and memorable portrait of one of the greatest women of all time.
335 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1951
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About the author
Sigrid Undset
273 books874 followersSigrid Undset was a Norwegian novelist whose powerful, psychologically rich works made her one of the most significant literary figures of the 20th century. Best known for her medieval sagas Kristin Lavransdatter and The Master of Hestviken, she was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1928 for her vivid portrayals of life in the Middle Ages, written with remarkable historical detail and emotional depth.
Born in Denmark to Norwegian parents, Undset spent most of her life in Norway. After her father's early death, she had to forgo formal education and worked as a secretary while writing in her spare time. Her debut novel Fru Marta Oulie (1907) shocked readers with its opening confession of adultery and established her bold, realist style. In early works like ,i>Jenny (1911), she explored modern women's struggles with love, freedom, and morality, often critiquing romantic idealism and social expectations.
Though she gained recognition for her contemporary novels, Undset felt increasingly drawn to historical fiction. This shift led to her masterwork Kristin Lavransdatter, a trilogy published from 1920 to 1922, which follows the life of a woman in 14th-century Norway as she navigates love, faith, motherhood, and spiritual growth. With its intricate character development and deep moral themes, the trilogy brought her international acclaim and remains a cornerstone of Scandinavian literature.
In 1924, Undset converted to Roman Catholicism, a profound personal decision that shaped her later writing. Her tetralogy,i>The Master of Hestviken (1925–1927) centers on a man burdened by unconfessed guilt, offering a deeply spiritual and psychological portrait of sin and redemption. Her Catholic faith and concern with ethical questions became central to her work and public life.
A vocal critic of both communism and fascism, Undset fled Norway after the Nazi invasion in 1940. Her books were banned by the occupying regime, and she lived in exile in the United States during the war, advocating for Norway and the Allied cause. The loss of her son in the war deeply affected her, and although she returned home after the war, she published little in her final years.
Undset’s legacy rests not only on her historical novels but also on her fearless exploration of conscience, duty, and the human condition. Her characters—especially her women—are fully realized, flawed, and emotionally complex. Her writing combines psychological insight with stylistic clarity and spiritual depth, making her work enduringly relevant and widely read.
Born in Denmark to Norwegian parents, Undset spent most of her life in Norway. After her father's early death, she had to forgo formal education and worked as a secretary while writing in her spare time. Her debut novel Fru Marta Oulie (1907) shocked readers with its opening confession of adultery and established her bold, realist style. In early works like ,i>Jenny (1911), she explored modern women's struggles with love, freedom, and morality, often critiquing romantic idealism and social expectations.
Though she gained recognition for her contemporary novels, Undset felt increasingly drawn to historical fiction. This shift led to her masterwork Kristin Lavransdatter, a trilogy published from 1920 to 1922, which follows the life of a woman in 14th-century Norway as she navigates love, faith, motherhood, and spiritual growth. With its intricate character development and deep moral themes, the trilogy brought her international acclaim and remains a cornerstone of Scandinavian literature.
In 1924, Undset converted to Roman Catholicism, a profound personal decision that shaped her later writing. Her tetralogy,i>The Master of Hestviken (1925–1927) centers on a man burdened by unconfessed guilt, offering a deeply spiritual and psychological portrait of sin and redemption. Her Catholic faith and concern with ethical questions became central to her work and public life.
A vocal critic of both communism and fascism, Undset fled Norway after the Nazi invasion in 1940. Her books were banned by the occupying regime, and she lived in exile in the United States during the war, advocating for Norway and the Allied cause. The loss of her son in the war deeply affected her, and although she returned home after the war, she published little in her final years.
Undset’s legacy rests not only on her historical novels but also on her fearless exploration of conscience, duty, and the human condition. Her characters—especially her women—are fully realized, flawed, and emotionally complex. Her writing combines psychological insight with stylistic clarity and spiritual depth, making her work enduringly relevant and widely read.
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May 15, 2025
It is a masterpiece ; full of wise insights, perfectly written, captivating and feminine. I have been touched by its reading and spiritually uplifted. Highly recommended
December 20, 2014
Sigrid Undset’s Catherine of Siena made this 14th century saint much more human for me. Other things I’d read about my name’s sake had left me confused and not altogether amenable toward this rather drastic mystic who seemingly didn’t eat except communion wafers or sleep except on boards. And yet she dictated prodigious letters to popes, kings and emperors commanding the services of several secretaries at a time as she was reputedly completely illiterate. How is one to love such an eccentric? And yet, she had a devoted following of ‘children’ who called her their ‘dear mother’ and she was certainly the beloved of Our LORD if stories of her prodigious ecstasies and other divine favors are to be believed.
Undset’s biography was an early Christmas present. And I am happy to report it was a gift I could hardly put down. Many thanks to my kind benefactor! I found myself racing through the pages eagerly all the while growing in sympathy for Catherine, despite her extreme asceticism.
For starters, Catherine was the most actively involved – in terms of Church politics – of any Catholic saint ever. She was instrumental in getting the pope to return to Rome abandoning the Avignon exile or the “Babylonian Captivity of the Papacy” as it is sometimes known after almost 70 years. She was working to bring an end to the Great Schism as well but her premature death at age 33 did not allow her to see these efforts through to conclusion. These sound like very simple accomplishments but given the hopelessly involved political situation of the times, Catherine worked tirelessly to bring about these monumental efforts sparing herself no pains, whatever the cost to own health and personal life. Last of 23 children, Catherine was the favorite of her mother who never did understand the intense piety of her beloved daughter.
Ms. Undset’s book is a highly sympathetic portrayal of this medieval giant—a tiny little woman who in the age of men directed the course of history. On 3 October 1970, Pope Paul VI gave Catherine the title of Doctor of the Church along with Saint Teresa of Ávila, the first two female saints to be so honored by the Catholic Church. A ‘Doctor of the Church’ is a title given by a variety of Christian churches to individuals whom they recognize as having been of particular importance, specifically regarding their contribution to theology or doctrine.
Catherine is known for her Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue.
Highly recommended!
Undset’s biography was an early Christmas present. And I am happy to report it was a gift I could hardly put down. Many thanks to my kind benefactor! I found myself racing through the pages eagerly all the while growing in sympathy for Catherine, despite her extreme asceticism.
For starters, Catherine was the most actively involved – in terms of Church politics – of any Catholic saint ever. She was instrumental in getting the pope to return to Rome abandoning the Avignon exile or the “Babylonian Captivity of the Papacy” as it is sometimes known after almost 70 years. She was working to bring an end to the Great Schism as well but her premature death at age 33 did not allow her to see these efforts through to conclusion. These sound like very simple accomplishments but given the hopelessly involved political situation of the times, Catherine worked tirelessly to bring about these monumental efforts sparing herself no pains, whatever the cost to own health and personal life. Last of 23 children, Catherine was the favorite of her mother who never did understand the intense piety of her beloved daughter.
Ms. Undset’s book is a highly sympathetic portrayal of this medieval giant—a tiny little woman who in the age of men directed the course of history. On 3 October 1970, Pope Paul VI gave Catherine the title of Doctor of the Church along with Saint Teresa of Ávila, the first two female saints to be so honored by the Catholic Church. A ‘Doctor of the Church’ is a title given by a variety of Christian churches to individuals whom they recognize as having been of particular importance, specifically regarding their contribution to theology or doctrine.
Catherine is known for her Catherine of Siena: The Dialogue.
Highly recommended!
March 30, 2014
An Intro:
I am not sure as how to write a review for this book - a wonderful biography on the 14th century saint, Catherine of Siena. If writing a review would mean also giving the synopsis I am against it, at least with regard to this book. Finding a synopsis in the times of Wikipedia is not a grave problem.
So I limit myself to saying my personal impressions.
The Impressions:
After reading the biography I fell in love with two women - St. Catherine of Siena and Sigrid Undset.
Reading this biography would make the reader listen to the words of Catherine and to see her actions. Reading the book one would surely feel that it is as though Catherine were alive and was conversing to him/her to be faithful to Christ, the Crucified. Catherine comes alive in the words of Sigrid Undset. And Catherine's thoughts, taken from many of her writings and are prudently scattered over the pages, can startle any faithful. I found many times Catherine speaking to me directly through many of her letters even though they were all written to someone of her own times.
Sigrid Undset's greatness lies in presenting St. Catherine 'alive' to the reader. The writer, Sigrid Undset emerges now and then to make certain observation which are in themselves very sparkling and ringing to our own times. But mostly, she lets Catherine to take the center page to speak to the reader. One invariably finds in this act of Undset a true love for the Faith, The Catholic Church and its saints.
A Quote from one of Catherine's Writings:
Final Remark:
If you are a Cathoilc, reading this book would do you much good.
I am not sure as how to write a review for this book - a wonderful biography on the 14th century saint, Catherine of Siena. If writing a review would mean also giving the synopsis I am against it, at least with regard to this book. Finding a synopsis in the times of Wikipedia is not a grave problem.
So I limit myself to saying my personal impressions.
The Impressions:
After reading the biography I fell in love with two women - St. Catherine of Siena and Sigrid Undset.
Reading this biography would make the reader listen to the words of Catherine and to see her actions. Reading the book one would surely feel that it is as though Catherine were alive and was conversing to him/her to be faithful to Christ, the Crucified. Catherine comes alive in the words of Sigrid Undset. And Catherine's thoughts, taken from many of her writings and are prudently scattered over the pages, can startle any faithful. I found many times Catherine speaking to me directly through many of her letters even though they were all written to someone of her own times.
Sigrid Undset's greatness lies in presenting St. Catherine 'alive' to the reader. The writer, Sigrid Undset emerges now and then to make certain observation which are in themselves very sparkling and ringing to our own times. But mostly, she lets Catherine to take the center page to speak to the reader. One invariably finds in this act of Undset a true love for the Faith, The Catholic Church and its saints.
A Quote from one of Catherine's Writings:
"How cruel is the soul which offers its enemy the sword with which it is killed! For our enemies have no weapons to use against it, however much they want to. Only the will can commit a crime; neither devils nor any other being can force it to commit the smallest sin if it is not willing. Therefore the sinful will which submits to the temptations of the enemy is a sword which kills the soul when it is offered to the enemy by the hand of the free will. Which is more cruel, the enemy or the person who is wounded? We are the more cruel, for we agree to our own death."
Final Remark:
If you are a Cathoilc, reading this book would do you much good.
July 12, 2010
although I'm only in the first quarter of this book, I'm so thoroughly engrosed and delighted that I'm confident of a 5 star rating. Undset is a lyrical writer whose historical acumen is profound. Her characters are beautifully conveyed and move right into your life with ease. I've never found a bio of Catherine of Siena that inspired me to love or even like her; I've loved her from the first moment she appeared on the pages here. What a great gift!
i was absolutely entnhralled with this book, as were the members of my book club. everyone enjoyed the history, which we have since learned from a scholar in that area, is completely accurate, and everyone enjoyed and appreciated learning more about Catherine. I will frankly admit that I've never managed to care for this great saint, one of the few women who are Doctors of the Church, but I am in love with her now. and I intend to re-read Kristin Lavransdatter again just to emjoy Undset's beautiful writing and story telling.
i was absolutely entnhralled with this book, as were the members of my book club. everyone enjoyed the history, which we have since learned from a scholar in that area, is completely accurate, and everyone enjoyed and appreciated learning more about Catherine. I will frankly admit that I've never managed to care for this great saint, one of the few women who are Doctors of the Church, but I am in love with her now. and I intend to re-read Kristin Lavransdatter again just to emjoy Undset's beautiful writing and story telling.
February 4, 2021
This is probably the best biography of a saint I have ever read, and no wonder. It’s written by Sigrid Undset, Nobel Prize winning author. Undset was a convert to Catholicism, and even became a Lay Dominican. Many of Undset’s novels are set in the Middle Ages, so it’s no surprise then she would write a biography of the most important Lay Dominican to have ever lived and one of the most influential women of the fourteenth century, St. Catherine of Siena. What is amazing about this biography is that though it has elements of a hagiography, it is detailed and reads like a work of realism. I’m even more impressed on my second read than after the first.
Why is the life of St. Catherine so engaging? St. Catherine of Siena incorporates into her being every element of sainthood possible. She lived a life of uncompromising holiness. You may be surprised to learn she was not a consecrated religious, but a Third Order Dominican. Prayer was the foundation of her life, which then led to an active ministry of taking care of the sick and the poor. She was a mystic who had who supernatural experiences on an almost daily basis but was involved in the issues and politics of her day. Though uneducated, she learned Catholic theology so well she was correcting theologians, and she went on to write—at some point she learned to read and write either mystically or through perseverance—one of the great Catholic theological classics, her Dialogue. I marvel at her writings—mostly her letters—for her intense prose and wonderful imagery. She was a natural poet. She was a little woman from a non-aristocratic family who became so influential she was offering advice to kings and queens, and her greatest accomplishment was in persuading Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy to Rome after almost a century in Avignon. Her greatest disappointment was in not being able to resolve the Papal Schism of 1378, and here too she offered her life up in ascetic martyrdom in the hopes of a resolution. Because of her brilliance in articulating the faith, in 1970, along with St. Teresa of Avila, she was recognized as a Doctor of the Church, the first women. And though her asceticism was severe, she was never dour. On the contrary she one of the most affable and gregarious women of her time. She attracted a large following known as the Caterinati, Read this bio and perhaps you will be a Caterinati too!
Why is the life of St. Catherine so engaging? St. Catherine of Siena incorporates into her being every element of sainthood possible. She lived a life of uncompromising holiness. You may be surprised to learn she was not a consecrated religious, but a Third Order Dominican. Prayer was the foundation of her life, which then led to an active ministry of taking care of the sick and the poor. She was a mystic who had who supernatural experiences on an almost daily basis but was involved in the issues and politics of her day. Though uneducated, she learned Catholic theology so well she was correcting theologians, and she went on to write—at some point she learned to read and write either mystically or through perseverance—one of the great Catholic theological classics, her Dialogue. I marvel at her writings—mostly her letters—for her intense prose and wonderful imagery. She was a natural poet. She was a little woman from a non-aristocratic family who became so influential she was offering advice to kings and queens, and her greatest accomplishment was in persuading Pope Gregory XI to return the papacy to Rome after almost a century in Avignon. Her greatest disappointment was in not being able to resolve the Papal Schism of 1378, and here too she offered her life up in ascetic martyrdom in the hopes of a resolution. Because of her brilliance in articulating the faith, in 1970, along with St. Teresa of Avila, she was recognized as a Doctor of the Church, the first women. And though her asceticism was severe, she was never dour. On the contrary she one of the most affable and gregarious women of her time. She attracted a large following known as the Caterinati, Read this bio and perhaps you will be a Caterinati too!
March 4, 2014
My favorite biography of a saint. So like Kristin Lavransdatter. Undset is one of very few writers who makes me want to be holy.
December 17, 2020
Catherine of Siena (1347 - 1380) is one of the greatest saints and Doctor of the Church. Much could be said about this extraordinary and remarkable woman who didn't know how to write but influenced the popes of her time. The saints tend to be remote and "other-wordly" to us with their all-encompassing needs for prayer, solitude, and austerity. They seem disconnected from everyday life. Yet what strikes me the most, and Catherine is no exception, is that because of their intimate relationship with Christ they recognize the innate dignity of every human being on a much deeper level. Those wretched souls, lepers in Biblical language, are the ones they lavish their loving attention on the most and reminding all of us of our broken nature and our need to be healed.
Catherine was also a mediator of Italian and papal politics. The political situation in 14th century Italy was complicated, to put it mildly, and Catherine kind of fell into this role by sheer reputation of being a holy woman. Her letters (dictated to secretaries) are an astounding mix of admonition and encouragement. She truly had no fear of speaking truth to power and at the same time reminding the recipient that he could not err in keeping his eyes on Christ.
Catherine was also a mediator of Italian and papal politics. The political situation in 14th century Italy was complicated, to put it mildly, and Catherine kind of fell into this role by sheer reputation of being a holy woman. Her letters (dictated to secretaries) are an astounding mix of admonition and encouragement. She truly had no fear of speaking truth to power and at the same time reminding the recipient that he could not err in keeping his eyes on Christ.
August 4, 2023
A beautiful testimony of one whose soul-proximity to God spilled over into active love of neighbor. There’s much to think about here (fasting and her relationship with food is an interesting one) but I feel strengthened after reading this. Also it’s just guaranteed fun to read about 14th-century women advising popes and changing the course of church history.
“The soul which has once experienced the bliss of being united with God in love, will expand and embrace the whole world with its love. Once it has won for itself the virtue which brings a life of grace it will work with the utmost zeal to help its neighbor.”
“O eternal Trinity, You are a bottomless ocean. The more I throw myself into the ocean, the more I find You, and the more I find You the more I will search. I can never say of You—It is enough.”
“We sorely need the wisdom of the saints.”
“The soul which has once experienced the bliss of being united with God in love, will expand and embrace the whole world with its love. Once it has won for itself the virtue which brings a life of grace it will work with the utmost zeal to help its neighbor.”
“O eternal Trinity, You are a bottomless ocean. The more I throw myself into the ocean, the more I find You, and the more I find You the more I will search. I can never say of You—It is enough.”
“We sorely need the wisdom of the saints.”
November 2, 2020
Contemporary hagiography of a fascinating woman told by a great writer.
February 4, 2021
Reading this book showed me how history does repeat itself but God is always with us and the Church. He never abandons us and prayer and following Jesus is the answer!
March 16, 2014
Those looking for a critical biography of Catherine of Siena should go elsewhere. Undset’s portrait is unflinchingly that of a devotee, albeit a devotee who does acknowledge contemporary criticism of her subject. As a whole, this is a biography written by a master of literary fiction. It truly is great. Nowhere are Undset’s powers better employed than in describing the Sienese world into which Catherine Benincasa was born: “Life was like a brightly coloured tissue, where violence and vanity, greed and uninhibited desire for sensual pleasure, the longing for power, and ambition, were woven together in a multitude of patterns. But through the tissue ran silver threads of Christian charity, deep and genuine piety in the monasteries and among the good priests, among the brethren and sisters who had dedicated themselves to a life of helping their neighbours. The well-to-do and the common people had to the best of their ability provided for the sick, the poor and the lonely with unstinted generosity. In every class of the community there were good people who lived a quiet, modest and beautiful family life of purity and faith. (5)
She explores fully the very interesting relationship with Raimondo of Capua, her confessor, and the discussion of the ecstatic visions experienced by Catherine: “When Raimondo of Capua had become her father confessor, Catherine told him that from that day she began to learn of the way the saints had lived, and especially of the life of St. Dominic and the Desert Fathers, though no one had taught her except the Holy Spirit.” (11)
What emerges, however, is a portrait of a woman who knows the truth of her purpose, and who legitimately seems to have lived a life consistent with her message. Examples of this are omnipresent throughout the book. In one of her visions, she questioned her mission to Jesus and her capability of performing it. In her vision, Jesus replied, “All things are possible for God who has created everything from nothing. I know that you say this from humility, but you must know that in these days pride has grown monstrously among men, and chiefly among those who are learned and think they understand everything. It was for this reason that at another period I sent out simple men who had no human learning, but were filled by Me with divine wisdom, and let them preach. To-day I have chosen unschooled women, fearful and weak by nature, but trained by Me in the knowledge of the divine, so that they may put vanity and pride to shame. If men will humbly receive the teachings I send them through the weaker sex I will show them great mercy, but if they despise these women they shall fall into even worse confusion and even greater agony.” (51)
Her quote criticizing the Pope: “If the blind leads the blind both fall into the abyss; doctor and patient hurry to hell together.” (188)
Catherine of Siena is an extraordinary subject. The time in which she lived was beset with extraordinary achievements and misery. She was, herself, extraordinarily influential and brave, but at the same time humble. This is a very moving portrait, and does the live of on of the most influential women in the history of western civilization justice.
She explores fully the very interesting relationship with Raimondo of Capua, her confessor, and the discussion of the ecstatic visions experienced by Catherine: “When Raimondo of Capua had become her father confessor, Catherine told him that from that day she began to learn of the way the saints had lived, and especially of the life of St. Dominic and the Desert Fathers, though no one had taught her except the Holy Spirit.” (11)
What emerges, however, is a portrait of a woman who knows the truth of her purpose, and who legitimately seems to have lived a life consistent with her message. Examples of this are omnipresent throughout the book. In one of her visions, she questioned her mission to Jesus and her capability of performing it. In her vision, Jesus replied, “All things are possible for God who has created everything from nothing. I know that you say this from humility, but you must know that in these days pride has grown monstrously among men, and chiefly among those who are learned and think they understand everything. It was for this reason that at another period I sent out simple men who had no human learning, but were filled by Me with divine wisdom, and let them preach. To-day I have chosen unschooled women, fearful and weak by nature, but trained by Me in the knowledge of the divine, so that they may put vanity and pride to shame. If men will humbly receive the teachings I send them through the weaker sex I will show them great mercy, but if they despise these women they shall fall into even worse confusion and even greater agony.” (51)
Her quote criticizing the Pope: “If the blind leads the blind both fall into the abyss; doctor and patient hurry to hell together.” (188)
Catherine of Siena is an extraordinary subject. The time in which she lived was beset with extraordinary achievements and misery. She was, herself, extraordinarily influential and brave, but at the same time humble. This is a very moving portrait, and does the live of on of the most influential women in the history of western civilization justice.
March 7, 2021
Libro maravilloso, sobre una de las grandes santas de la Iglesia Católica, Santa Catalina de Siena, y escrito por la Premio Nobel Sigrid Unset.
Como buena biografía, el libro no sólo profundiza en la vida de Catalina, sus escritos, hechos, aventuras y desdichas, sino que da una visión interesantísima de la época en la que le tocó vivir a la santa. Y es algo fundamental para entender los afanes de Catalina en conseguir la paz entre los pueblos, la reforma interior de la Iglesia, la vuelta del Papa a Roma y el fin del cisma.
Siempre sorprende, a mí por lo menos, leer vidas de santos, pero al leer esta biografía da la sensación de que esta santa fue realmente grande, y que sólo movida por una fe a prueba de bombas y un amor incondicional a su "Dulce Jesús", pudo codearse con los grandes de este mundo, reyes, príncipes, Papas... para que cambiasen su actitud, con palabras sabias y elocuentes, que no eran propias de una joven del siglo XIV que no sabía leer ni escribir. Mención aparte merecen su legado espiritual, que por eso es santa, y la hondura de sus reflexiones, llenas de fina teología cuando, nuevamente, Catalina no tenía formación alguna; en esto, el libro de Sigrid Unset es rico tanto en reflexiones espirituales como en hechos milagrosos en los que medió Catalina.
En definitiva, un libro muy recomendable, que no dejará indiferente a nadie, y que muestra también la gran lucha y las dificultades de Catalina en su camino hacia Dios, porque los santos también tienen sus dudas.
Como buena biografía, el libro no sólo profundiza en la vida de Catalina, sus escritos, hechos, aventuras y desdichas, sino que da una visión interesantísima de la época en la que le tocó vivir a la santa. Y es algo fundamental para entender los afanes de Catalina en conseguir la paz entre los pueblos, la reforma interior de la Iglesia, la vuelta del Papa a Roma y el fin del cisma.
Siempre sorprende, a mí por lo menos, leer vidas de santos, pero al leer esta biografía da la sensación de que esta santa fue realmente grande, y que sólo movida por una fe a prueba de bombas y un amor incondicional a su "Dulce Jesús", pudo codearse con los grandes de este mundo, reyes, príncipes, Papas... para que cambiasen su actitud, con palabras sabias y elocuentes, que no eran propias de una joven del siglo XIV que no sabía leer ni escribir. Mención aparte merecen su legado espiritual, que por eso es santa, y la hondura de sus reflexiones, llenas de fina teología cuando, nuevamente, Catalina no tenía formación alguna; en esto, el libro de Sigrid Unset es rico tanto en reflexiones espirituales como en hechos milagrosos en los que medió Catalina.
En definitiva, un libro muy recomendable, que no dejará indiferente a nadie, y que muestra también la gran lucha y las dificultades de Catalina en su camino hacia Dios, porque los santos también tienen sus dudas.
August 7, 2023
My comments in video: https://youtu.be/NdG_G_nBsMA
The heroine of the Middle Ages.
The 1928 Nobel Prize-winning writer for literature shows her knowledge of the Middle Ages and takes the opportunity to exalt the female figure of a great woman. It is interesting because the style makes us think of documentaries (History Channel type) before documentaries, and highlighting the female figure with a feminism that is not at all toxic or mediatic as it is today. Her exposition is so clear and her ideas are so well elaborated that she reminded me of the influence of a great woman like Lady Di. And she also manages to highlight philosophical and theological reflections on goodness, compelling argument on holiness.
As you know, I like to relate the works that I read, and with this 3 great relationships are presented: 1) with Jesus Hernandez Santos "Extramural", due to the theme of the cloister and the fame of the saints, 2) with the Daughter of Galileo de Dava Sobel, for the documentary style and the importance of women on a scientific level (indirect, but equally important), and 3) Great Thinkers by Rudolph Eucken, for the great need for religiosity in the early 20th century, as well of clear explanations of Christianity.
In general, you will find good reflections on holiness; the documentary of the life of the saint with a look that invites us to travel from skepticism to faith; and several cinematographic scenes of great beauty.
I look forward to your comments.
La heroína de la Edad Media.
La escritora ganadora del premio nobel de literatura de 1928 muestra sus conocimientos de la edad media y aprovecha para exaltar la figura femenina de una gran mujer. Es interesante porque el estilo hace pensar en los documentales (tipo History Channel) antes de los documentales, y destacando la figura femenina con un feminismo para nada tóxico ni mediático como en la actualidad. Su exposición es tan clara y sus ideas tan bien elaboradas que me recordó la influencia de una gran mujer como Lady Di. Y también logra destacar reflexiones filosóficas y teológicas sobre la bondad, argumento convincente sobre la santidad.
Como saben, me gusta relacionar las obras que leo, y con esta se presentan 3 grandes relaciones: 1) con extramuros de Jesus Hernandez Santos, por el tema propio del claustro y la fama de las santas, 2) Con la Hija de Galileo de Dava Sobel, por el estilo de documental y la importancia de la mujer a nivel científico (indirecto, pero igualmente importante), y 3) Grandes Pensadores de Rudolph Eucken, por la gran necesidad de religiosidad en la época de principios del siglo XX, además de explicaciones claras del cristianismo.
En general, encontrarán buenas reflexiones sobre la santidad; el documental de la vida de la santa con una mirada que nos invita a viajar del escepticismo a la fe; y varias escenas cinematográficas de gran belleza.
Espero sus comentarios.
The heroine of the Middle Ages.
The 1928 Nobel Prize-winning writer for literature shows her knowledge of the Middle Ages and takes the opportunity to exalt the female figure of a great woman. It is interesting because the style makes us think of documentaries (History Channel type) before documentaries, and highlighting the female figure with a feminism that is not at all toxic or mediatic as it is today. Her exposition is so clear and her ideas are so well elaborated that she reminded me of the influence of a great woman like Lady Di. And she also manages to highlight philosophical and theological reflections on goodness, compelling argument on holiness.
As you know, I like to relate the works that I read, and with this 3 great relationships are presented: 1) with Jesus Hernandez Santos "Extramural", due to the theme of the cloister and the fame of the saints, 2) with the Daughter of Galileo de Dava Sobel, for the documentary style and the importance of women on a scientific level (indirect, but equally important), and 3) Great Thinkers by Rudolph Eucken, for the great need for religiosity in the early 20th century, as well of clear explanations of Christianity.
In general, you will find good reflections on holiness; the documentary of the life of the saint with a look that invites us to travel from skepticism to faith; and several cinematographic scenes of great beauty.
I look forward to your comments.
La heroína de la Edad Media.
La escritora ganadora del premio nobel de literatura de 1928 muestra sus conocimientos de la edad media y aprovecha para exaltar la figura femenina de una gran mujer. Es interesante porque el estilo hace pensar en los documentales (tipo History Channel) antes de los documentales, y destacando la figura femenina con un feminismo para nada tóxico ni mediático como en la actualidad. Su exposición es tan clara y sus ideas tan bien elaboradas que me recordó la influencia de una gran mujer como Lady Di. Y también logra destacar reflexiones filosóficas y teológicas sobre la bondad, argumento convincente sobre la santidad.
Como saben, me gusta relacionar las obras que leo, y con esta se presentan 3 grandes relaciones: 1) con extramuros de Jesus Hernandez Santos, por el tema propio del claustro y la fama de las santas, 2) Con la Hija de Galileo de Dava Sobel, por el estilo de documental y la importancia de la mujer a nivel científico (indirecto, pero igualmente importante), y 3) Grandes Pensadores de Rudolph Eucken, por la gran necesidad de religiosidad en la época de principios del siglo XX, además de explicaciones claras del cristianismo.
En general, encontrarán buenas reflexiones sobre la santidad; el documental de la vida de la santa con una mirada que nos invita a viajar del escepticismo a la fe; y varias escenas cinematográficas de gran belleza.
Espero sus comentarios.
May 26, 2018
I thought I knew a good deal about the life of St. Catherine of Siena. This biography showed me I only had an outline of the life of this great saint. Wow, such a well-written and resourced biography of this amazing women.
July 26, 2020
Biografía de una santa de cuyo vida se desconoce mucho, aún entre los católicos, me sirvió para reflexionar sobre el papel de la mujer en la Iglesia, muchas veces ignorado de manera oficial tanto por la Iglesia como por los intelectuales. Es buena opción de lectura porque a pesar de tocar la vida de una mujer dedicada a la devoción de una religión en específico, asombró en su tiempo incluso a los incrédulos con el celo de su vida, sus exageraciones, es decir, es digna el texto es digno de de ser leído porque es algo distinto del resto de la biografías existentes, por ser la figura estudiada distinta de la de tantos políticos y escritores. A mí, en lo personal me obligo a conseguir sus obras y a seguir analizando los aportes del Cristianismo en todas las esferas
May 18, 2018
It's hard to write a biography on a giant of faith like Catherine of Siena. Sigrid Undset tackles this saint well, including many firsthand accounts of life and several quotes attributed to her. I'll admit, this biography was difficult for me to follow at times simply because there are no dates and very few years included. It is hard to make a timeline in your mind when the author tells her life more like a narrative. The deeds and works of Catherine are incredible and inspiring. Overall this was a good introductory biography to the saint. I'm interested now in reading her own words.
March 26, 2022
Catherine of Siena and Sigrid Undset are both amazing. This book was both more historically dense than I was expecting (I didn't know a whole lot about this time period or about her involvement in the return of the pope to Rome from Avignon) and also about 50% weirder than I was expecting. I loved the moments when Undset breaks from the historical narrative to make a point to the reader and always appreciated her thoughts. Overall, one of the most fascinating biographies I've read, and beautifully told.
May 18, 2023
This is easily one of the greatest saint biographies I’ve read. Sigrid Undset’s writing is thoughtful and inspiring, and she weaves her sources and the necessary historical context into the text in a such a way that carries the reader with ease through a lot of dense information. She does true justice to Catherine of Sienna, whose scarcely paralleled spiritual detachment makes her one of the greatest in Christendom.
August 11, 2016
It got tough reading Undset's old style hagiography of Catherine. It may be that I want to see her through 21st century eyes, rather than 19th century eyes. Maybe I'll try again another time, but I couldn't get more than a few chapters in.
February 5, 2022
Probably one of the better saint biographies I’ve read. It balances well the details of St. Catherine’s personal life with the historical and political context of surrounding events and Catherine’s influence in the political drama of the times
January 7, 2011
Fascinating history, but gets bogged down at the end. Repetitious. 300 page book could have been told in 100.
December 31, 2013
This Great Saint has opened my eyes like no one i have ever read! If you know anything about her your Blessed. When she drank that bowl i stopped and starred at nothing!
December 26, 2021
This is one of the best saint biographies that I have ever read, and I have read many.
October 6, 2023
http://www.neapoulain.com/2018/01/san...
Esta lectura participa en el #WomenPNL organizado en el blog Todo mi ser. Les voy a contar como acabé leyendo yo la biografía de una Santa (que, además, no es una biografía crítica, sino que es un libro que en Goodreads está recomendado para todos los católicos, no kidding) y no de cualquiera, sino de Santa Catalina de Siena. No me hubiera molestado, por ejemplo, leer la biografia de Juana de Arco (sí, es una santa católica), es más, si quieren hasta me leo cualquier cosa de María (suena interesante, al menos). Es más, a (Santa) Hildegarda de Bingen la conocí hace relativamente poco cuando con algún grupo de conocidos hablabamos de que, para explotar sus dotes intelectuales, la mujer tenía muy pocas opciones y una de ellas era entrar al convento. Pero les juro que nunca en la vida se me hubiera pasado leer de Santa Catalina de Siena porque sí. No me atrae. Lo juro. Lo perjuro.
A ver, yo soy atea. Atea redomada. Atea que fue a la India, vio templos, dioses y vivió con musulmanes. Y este libro lo que hizo más o menos fue... pues... confirmar que soy atea hasta los huesos. Santa Catalina de Siena es todo lo contrario a mí. Pero antes de ponernos a hablar de ella y de su vida, vamos a hablar de Sigrid Undset un poquito. Esta escritora recibió en 1928, el Premio Nobel de Literatura. Su biografía de Santa Catalina de Siena no fue publicada sino hasta 1951. De hecho me parece que fue uno de sus últimos libros. Yo lo escogí porque sólo había disponibles dos cosas de ellas en epublibre.org. Uno era este, y el otro era toda la trilogía completa de Cristina, hija de Lavrans, que tiene unas 1000 páginas y aunque quiero leer, no me da tiempo en un mes (menos en uno que ya teno otras cuantas lecturas conjuntas en las que debo participar). Así que ese fue mi destino: leer esto. Pero, volviendo a Sigrid Undset.
Ella nació en Noruega en el seno de una familia atea que las bautizó en la iglesia Luterana porque era la norma del día (o sea, un poco como la mía). Recordemos en la gran parte de los países escandinavos (y bastantes de Europa del Este) son protestantes y, de hecho, Noruega era un país de mayoría Luterana (una rama del cristianismo que si quieren saber de donde salió pueden buscar en Wikipedia, porque mi capacidad para explicar cosas religiosas es... bueno... limitada). El caso es que nació en una familia atea. ¿Cómo carajos llegó al catolicismo y a, de hecho, pertenecer a la misma orden que Santa Catalina de Siena? Esa es una buena pregunta, que yo también me hice. Y Wikipedia me dio una respuesta. Pero antes, un poco de contexto. Cristina, hija de Lavrans, una trilogía publicada en tres años, de 1920 a 1922, fue, según algunos, la obra que le dio notoriedad a Sigrid Undset en el mundo. En ella habla de una Noruega medieval, donde aún existía el paganismo y el cristianismo apenas se asentaba. Si bien Sigrid Undset pasó gran parte de su vida como atea/agnóstica, después de que su matrimonio fracasó y empezó la primera guerra mundial (algo absolutamente horrendo, la guerra de las trincheras) tuvo una crisis/revelación/no sé que le da a la gente que de repente se vuelve católica... y se convirtió al catolicismo oficialmente en 1924.
El caso es que esto no fue nada bien visto. ¡Fue un escándalo! Noruega era un país casi completamente Luterano y además el anti-catolisismo no existía sólo con los religiosos luteranos, sino que una gran parte de la población era anti-católica. Sigrid recibió varios ataques al respecto y de hecho, participó en el debate público. Sus obras post conversión (que ocurrió en 1924) está toda llena de elementos de su fe y la influencia se nota (según Wikipedia y según mi experiencia con esta biografía de Santa Catalina) en todas sus obras. Así que ahora sí, vamos a hablar del libro.
1. No me voy a poner a juzgar elementos de la vida de Santa Catalina de Siena, porque la verdad es que juzgo todo con ojos ateos del siglo XXI. Para mí las penintencias de los religiosos de la Edad Media es algo inconcebible. Algo que se me escapa. Los castigos físicos, se me escapan. De hecho, todo eso, se me escapa. I can't. No puedo. No entiendo, tampoco. Fuera de que las alucinaciones/visiones/sueños de la Santa me causan una curiosidad extrema (pues tiene uno donde se casa con Cristo, donde bebe de su sangre, donde se coloca la corona de espinas...) y quiero saber de dónde carajos vienen y qué explicación lógica tiene (tengo una atea mind), no puedo juzgar nada más. Así que pasemos al siguiente punto. Sobre este, imaginen que mi cara la mitad del libro fue algo así:
2. AMO LA POLÍTICA MEDIEVAL. Me fascina. Eso sí me encanta. Eso sí que lo disfruté. Santa Catalina habló con papas, intercedió para que la sede Papal fuera trasladada de Aviñón a Roma, pues los franceses la mantenían en Aviñón precisamente por el poder que les confería tener al Papa en su propia tierra. A Santa Catalina le tocó, en vida, la existencia del antipapa (que básicamente fue cuando el Papa se regresó a Roma y una parte de los franceses dijo fuck it y eligió su propio Papa... si quieren algo más exacto y mejor contado pueden ir a buscar un libro de historia, yo no soy historiadora, lamentablemente) y medió para reconciliar a Florencia con el Papa. O sea, tenía cierto poder (lo cual es admirable, considerando la cantidad de mujeres de las que conocemos algo de la Edad Media, incluidas las Reinas y la realeza). Y claro que, para hablar de la política medieval en Europa uno tiene que tomar en cuenta, bueno... a la Iglesia, que era quizá el organismo más poderoso en toda Europa. Ya me había tocado leer bastante cuando leí los siete libros de Los Reyes Malditos (los Capetos were crazy) y resulta que Santa Catalina vivió casi al mismo tiempo, pero en Italia en vez de Francia. Así que, kudos por esa parte.
3. Sigrid Undset habla de que ha hecho la fe católica por la mujer. Yo, la verdad, es que soy escéptica. El tema no lo recupera sólo ella, sino que también lo hace la egipcia Nawal el-Sadaawi, en el libro que acabo de reseñar hace relativamente poco (La cara desnuda de la mujer árabe), en la que habla de como el nacimiento del Cristianismo ayudó a las mujeres en algunas cosas sobre su condición y como después la instituación eclesiástica se cagó en todo ello por siempre jamás (ayudaba sobre todo en temas de violencia sexual y esas cosas, pero no me acuerdo de todo en este momento y si quieren saber algo, deben leer el libro). El caso es que, volvamos, yo soy un poco escéptica e igual creo que todo lo bueno que pudo haber pasado a la mujer en el nacimiento del cristianismo (que fuera causado por él) después fue arruinado de una y mil maneras por la Iglesia (as an institution). Si bien podemos hablar de que entrar al convento ayudó a muchas mujeres a explorar su intelectualidad (por ejemplo, Santa Hildegarda y a la misma Sor Juana Inés), esto pasaba porque literalmente no había otra opción (la misma iglesia lo impedía en muchos casos) y en casos como en el de Sor Juana, la misma iglesia también le ponía un punto final a las actividades intelectuales. Eso sin contar la quema de brujas (una cosa de la Iglesia, debo mencionar) y otras bastantes cosas. Así que yo soy escéptica. Alzaré la ceja. Y la dejaré ahí.
4. Debo decir que hay cosas de Santa Catalina de Siena que me sorprendieron y que voy a exponer aquí rapidito. Aprendió a leer ya adulta, porque, de hecho, era iletrada y tenía que dictar todas sus cartas y todas sus cartas se las tenían que leer. Al parecer también aprendió a escribir también. Fue cuestionada por altas autoridades eclesiásticas en temas religiosos y sus respuestas dejaron confundidos a la mayoría (o sea, al menos en temas religiosos, era muy inteligente). Habló ante Papas. Fue mediadora en revueltas. Escribió un libro (que no planeó leer) en cinco días durante un éxtasis.
5. Para finalizar ya, que esta reseña/clase de historia sobre Sigrid Undset ya quedó muy larga, tengo que reconocer que el libro está escrito de manera muy bella, la prosa es increíble, y por más desinteresada que estuviera yo en el tema y por más ceja alzada que tuviera, todo estaba escrito muy bonito. Al final es un libro que no sé como calificar. Sólo que si no eres católico devoto o no tienes interes, no es la clase de lectura que te recomendaría. De hecho, yo sólo estoy haciendo la reseña porque es parte de #WomenPNL.
Nos vemos la siguiente. Prometo ya no traer libros rarísimos (o no, nunca saben que voy a leer).
Esta lectura participa en el #WomenPNL organizado en el blog Todo mi ser. Les voy a contar como acabé leyendo yo la biografía de una Santa (que, además, no es una biografía crítica, sino que es un libro que en Goodreads está recomendado para todos los católicos, no kidding) y no de cualquiera, sino de Santa Catalina de Siena. No me hubiera molestado, por ejemplo, leer la biografia de Juana de Arco (sí, es una santa católica), es más, si quieren hasta me leo cualquier cosa de María (suena interesante, al menos). Es más, a (Santa) Hildegarda de Bingen la conocí hace relativamente poco cuando con algún grupo de conocidos hablabamos de que, para explotar sus dotes intelectuales, la mujer tenía muy pocas opciones y una de ellas era entrar al convento. Pero les juro que nunca en la vida se me hubiera pasado leer de Santa Catalina de Siena porque sí. No me atrae. Lo juro. Lo perjuro.
A ver, yo soy atea. Atea redomada. Atea que fue a la India, vio templos, dioses y vivió con musulmanes. Y este libro lo que hizo más o menos fue... pues... confirmar que soy atea hasta los huesos. Santa Catalina de Siena es todo lo contrario a mí. Pero antes de ponernos a hablar de ella y de su vida, vamos a hablar de Sigrid Undset un poquito. Esta escritora recibió en 1928, el Premio Nobel de Literatura. Su biografía de Santa Catalina de Siena no fue publicada sino hasta 1951. De hecho me parece que fue uno de sus últimos libros. Yo lo escogí porque sólo había disponibles dos cosas de ellas en epublibre.org. Uno era este, y el otro era toda la trilogía completa de Cristina, hija de Lavrans, que tiene unas 1000 páginas y aunque quiero leer, no me da tiempo en un mes (menos en uno que ya teno otras cuantas lecturas conjuntas en las que debo participar). Así que ese fue mi destino: leer esto. Pero, volviendo a Sigrid Undset.
Ella nació en Noruega en el seno de una familia atea que las bautizó en la iglesia Luterana porque era la norma del día (o sea, un poco como la mía). Recordemos en la gran parte de los países escandinavos (y bastantes de Europa del Este) son protestantes y, de hecho, Noruega era un país de mayoría Luterana (una rama del cristianismo que si quieren saber de donde salió pueden buscar en Wikipedia, porque mi capacidad para explicar cosas religiosas es... bueno... limitada). El caso es que nació en una familia atea. ¿Cómo carajos llegó al catolicismo y a, de hecho, pertenecer a la misma orden que Santa Catalina de Siena? Esa es una buena pregunta, que yo también me hice. Y Wikipedia me dio una respuesta. Pero antes, un poco de contexto. Cristina, hija de Lavrans, una trilogía publicada en tres años, de 1920 a 1922, fue, según algunos, la obra que le dio notoriedad a Sigrid Undset en el mundo. En ella habla de una Noruega medieval, donde aún existía el paganismo y el cristianismo apenas se asentaba. Si bien Sigrid Undset pasó gran parte de su vida como atea/agnóstica, después de que su matrimonio fracasó y empezó la primera guerra mundial (algo absolutamente horrendo, la guerra de las trincheras) tuvo una crisis/revelación/no sé que le da a la gente que de repente se vuelve católica... y se convirtió al catolicismo oficialmente en 1924.
El caso es que esto no fue nada bien visto. ¡Fue un escándalo! Noruega era un país casi completamente Luterano y además el anti-catolisismo no existía sólo con los religiosos luteranos, sino que una gran parte de la población era anti-católica. Sigrid recibió varios ataques al respecto y de hecho, participó en el debate público. Sus obras post conversión (que ocurrió en 1924) está toda llena de elementos de su fe y la influencia se nota (según Wikipedia y según mi experiencia con esta biografía de Santa Catalina) en todas sus obras. Así que ahora sí, vamos a hablar del libro.
1. No me voy a poner a juzgar elementos de la vida de Santa Catalina de Siena, porque la verdad es que juzgo todo con ojos ateos del siglo XXI. Para mí las penintencias de los religiosos de la Edad Media es algo inconcebible. Algo que se me escapa. Los castigos físicos, se me escapan. De hecho, todo eso, se me escapa. I can't. No puedo. No entiendo, tampoco. Fuera de que las alucinaciones/visiones/sueños de la Santa me causan una curiosidad extrema (pues tiene uno donde se casa con Cristo, donde bebe de su sangre, donde se coloca la corona de espinas...) y quiero saber de dónde carajos vienen y qué explicación lógica tiene (tengo una atea mind), no puedo juzgar nada más. Así que pasemos al siguiente punto. Sobre este, imaginen que mi cara la mitad del libro fue algo así:
2. AMO LA POLÍTICA MEDIEVAL. Me fascina. Eso sí me encanta. Eso sí que lo disfruté. Santa Catalina habló con papas, intercedió para que la sede Papal fuera trasladada de Aviñón a Roma, pues los franceses la mantenían en Aviñón precisamente por el poder que les confería tener al Papa en su propia tierra. A Santa Catalina le tocó, en vida, la existencia del antipapa (que básicamente fue cuando el Papa se regresó a Roma y una parte de los franceses dijo fuck it y eligió su propio Papa... si quieren algo más exacto y mejor contado pueden ir a buscar un libro de historia, yo no soy historiadora, lamentablemente) y medió para reconciliar a Florencia con el Papa. O sea, tenía cierto poder (lo cual es admirable, considerando la cantidad de mujeres de las que conocemos algo de la Edad Media, incluidas las Reinas y la realeza). Y claro que, para hablar de la política medieval en Europa uno tiene que tomar en cuenta, bueno... a la Iglesia, que era quizá el organismo más poderoso en toda Europa. Ya me había tocado leer bastante cuando leí los siete libros de Los Reyes Malditos (los Capetos were crazy) y resulta que Santa Catalina vivió casi al mismo tiempo, pero en Italia en vez de Francia. Así que, kudos por esa parte.
3. Sigrid Undset habla de que ha hecho la fe católica por la mujer. Yo, la verdad, es que soy escéptica. El tema no lo recupera sólo ella, sino que también lo hace la egipcia Nawal el-Sadaawi, en el libro que acabo de reseñar hace relativamente poco (La cara desnuda de la mujer árabe), en la que habla de como el nacimiento del Cristianismo ayudó a las mujeres en algunas cosas sobre su condición y como después la instituación eclesiástica se cagó en todo ello por siempre jamás (ayudaba sobre todo en temas de violencia sexual y esas cosas, pero no me acuerdo de todo en este momento y si quieren saber algo, deben leer el libro). El caso es que, volvamos, yo soy un poco escéptica e igual creo que todo lo bueno que pudo haber pasado a la mujer en el nacimiento del cristianismo (que fuera causado por él) después fue arruinado de una y mil maneras por la Iglesia (as an institution). Si bien podemos hablar de que entrar al convento ayudó a muchas mujeres a explorar su intelectualidad (por ejemplo, Santa Hildegarda y a la misma Sor Juana Inés), esto pasaba porque literalmente no había otra opción (la misma iglesia lo impedía en muchos casos) y en casos como en el de Sor Juana, la misma iglesia también le ponía un punto final a las actividades intelectuales. Eso sin contar la quema de brujas (una cosa de la Iglesia, debo mencionar) y otras bastantes cosas. Así que yo soy escéptica. Alzaré la ceja. Y la dejaré ahí.
4. Debo decir que hay cosas de Santa Catalina de Siena que me sorprendieron y que voy a exponer aquí rapidito. Aprendió a leer ya adulta, porque, de hecho, era iletrada y tenía que dictar todas sus cartas y todas sus cartas se las tenían que leer. Al parecer también aprendió a escribir también. Fue cuestionada por altas autoridades eclesiásticas en temas religiosos y sus respuestas dejaron confundidos a la mayoría (o sea, al menos en temas religiosos, era muy inteligente). Habló ante Papas. Fue mediadora en revueltas. Escribió un libro (que no planeó leer) en cinco días durante un éxtasis.
5. Para finalizar ya, que esta reseña/clase de historia sobre Sigrid Undset ya quedó muy larga, tengo que reconocer que el libro está escrito de manera muy bella, la prosa es increíble, y por más desinteresada que estuviera yo en el tema y por más ceja alzada que tuviera, todo estaba escrito muy bonito. Al final es un libro que no sé como calificar. Sólo que si no eres católico devoto o no tienes interes, no es la clase de lectura que te recomendaría. De hecho, yo sólo estoy haciendo la reseña porque es parte de #WomenPNL.
Nos vemos la siguiente. Prometo ya no traer libros rarísimos (o no, nunca saben que voy a leer).
December 6, 2025
I’m landing at 3.5.
The historical background was fascinating, St. Catherine’s holiness unmatched and radical (to the point of me finding it extremely difficult to relate to her).
The book gives a lot of insight into what has always been a rocky history for the Church, and ultimately gives a lot of hope and encouragement to strive for personal holiness.
However, I struggled with the inconsistent style of the book— a mixture of historical accounts, with Catherine’s (numerous) letters paraphrased in between, changing tenses. Very dense, at times reminiscent of reportage, I must say it didn’t flow for me, wasn’t an easy read, and took me a couple of months on-and-off to finish.
Still, it was good to spend time with my Patron Saint!
The historical background was fascinating, St. Catherine’s holiness unmatched and radical (to the point of me finding it extremely difficult to relate to her).
The book gives a lot of insight into what has always been a rocky history for the Church, and ultimately gives a lot of hope and encouragement to strive for personal holiness.
However, I struggled with the inconsistent style of the book— a mixture of historical accounts, with Catherine’s (numerous) letters paraphrased in between, changing tenses. Very dense, at times reminiscent of reportage, I must say it didn’t flow for me, wasn’t an easy read, and took me a couple of months on-and-off to finish.
Still, it was good to spend time with my Patron Saint!
August 10, 2024
Saint Catherine is such an extraordinary saint that she can be quite difficult to take in. Her ascetic practices far surpass what we would regard as healthy or wise, and the miracles attributed to her often amaze.
We today in the West like our saints to be holy, yes, but not in such unusual ways; and we want miracles, but in measured order. Saint Catherine is in a way, disturbing for us. But however uncomfortable Catherine's extraordinary sanctity makes us, there is no denying the fruits of her life - the restoration of the papacy to Rome, certainly, but also the conversion of many and the holy lifes she inspired many of her followers to live.
Undset's biography is well-written, and written with insight.
We today in the West like our saints to be holy, yes, but not in such unusual ways; and we want miracles, but in measured order. Saint Catherine is in a way, disturbing for us. But however uncomfortable Catherine's extraordinary sanctity makes us, there is no denying the fruits of her life - the restoration of the papacy to Rome, certainly, but also the conversion of many and the holy lifes she inspired many of her followers to live.
Undset's biography is well-written, and written with insight.
February 1, 2022
Finally finished via audiobook (I'm a slow listener) and I just loved this. I've read the book by her confessor, Bl. Raymond of Capua, which was also fascinating, but this account put a lot more historical context and shared more details. This work is both a beautiful work of evangelization and a biography. Will re listen in a few years for sure.
November 28, 2020
Minden történelmi eseményt konkrét személyek feljegyzéseiből ismerünk, egyikre sincsen abszolút rálátásunk, még a saját korunk eseményeire sem. Persze van, ami megbízhatóbb, van, ami hamisított, vannak támpontok, de végső soron a források olvasója mindig maga dönti el, mit fogad el igaznak, mit nem, mit tekint a témája szempontjából relevánsnak és használhatónak, mit nem.
Szóval ez nem történelmi regény, nem dokumentumregény. Ha pisztolyt fognának a fejemhez, hogy mondjam meg, mi a műfaja, maximum annyit tudnék kinyögni, hogy esszé. Hogy háromszázötven oldalnál hosszabb? Hát Istenem, kicsit megszaladt. De ettől nem lesz hiteltelenebb.
Részletes értékelés a blogon:
https://gyujtogeto-alkoto.blog.hu/202...
Szóval ez nem történelmi regény, nem dokumentumregény. Ha pisztolyt fognának a fejemhez, hogy mondjam meg, mi a műfaja, maximum annyit tudnék kinyögni, hogy esszé. Hogy háromszázötven oldalnál hosszabb? Hát Istenem, kicsit megszaladt. De ettől nem lesz hiteltelenebb.
Részletes értékelés a blogon:
https://gyujtogeto-alkoto.blog.hu/202...
January 27, 2022
wow, wow, wow. Sigrid Undset escribió una masterpiece. En este libro, la ganadora del Nobel de Literatura y conversa católica plasma la historia de una de las grandes figuras de la Iglesia, la santa de Siena, Catalina. Me encanta cómo se nota el trabajo filológico que Sigrid tuvo que hacer para escribir esto. Además ella está tan presente durante todo el texto y el lector se siente acompañado de Sigrid y de Catalina. Un viaje por la Edad Media por una de las mejores medievalistas.
November 26, 2023
This was such a phenomenal book.
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