Truth about Therese

by Henri Ghéon

Discover the burning secrets of St. Therese's soul Scores of books have been written about St. Therese of Lisieux, but this is the first aimed at those persons, Catholic or not, who resist her, put off by all those roses and crudely painted plastic statues . . . and even by her virtues. (Not long before she died, Therese's confessor assured her she had never committed a mortal sin!) Author Henri Gheon was once among those put off by Therese's sweet reputation and by the tinseled, sugary devotions to this "little saint." Then he discovered how many good Catholics, at home in such simple devotions, were soon freed, without even realizing it, from the pretty-pretties that led them on, fnding the real Therese beneath the sugar roses and puffy clouds, behind the platitudes and pet-names that took all the salt out of her heroic story. They discovered as will readers of these remarkable pages the real Therese of Lisieux, an intense soul living a life of heroic grandeur amidst dull and all-too-worldly associates, a soul driven by a burning love of God even as she wrestled privately with great physical and emotional pain. That, shows Gheon, is what lay behind her smile. That's why she was canonized. And that's why Therese is the saint most fitted for our day, a model for those of us whom, whether we like it or not, God has called to hidden lives of quiet drama, desire, and holy sacrifce.

Genres: Biography, Spirituality

Paperback

First published February 1, 2010

Reviews

[Richard Grebenc · Rating 5 out of 5]

I admit that, as I was finishing "Story of a Soul" and came across this book, the subtitle intrigued me. What had the author uncovered? Well, one not need worry too much. While he is a bit critical of some of Therese's writing style, and is not afraid to note the faults of which Therese was very much aware, this is quite a lovely biography of Therese.

Written in the early 1930's, the author, a Frenchman and revert to the Faith, traveled the sites of Therese's life, seeing them then much as they were in her life. He bemoans the fact that so many of these places memorialize her unfittingly (plastic flowers, overly sentimental pictures, ostentatious displays), his presence there does serve to spark his imagination and put her (and us) right at the various scenes.

The most valuable part of the book is that it is a biography and that the author steps back a bit from her writings, putting them in context (particularly within the chronology of her life). In reading "Story" it is not always easy to follow this. So Gheon really helps there. He also really appreciates her spirituality, highlighting it, reflecting on it, and impressing the reader with it. He clearly is moved by her life and wants us to be moved with him. His rendering of her final sickness and death is particularly touching and worth the price of the book.

The book is of immense value as a follow-up to "Story" -- if you re-read Therese's autobiography reading this biography is an irreplaceable supplement. I devoured it quickly. And it will stay on my shelf for future reading and encouragement as Therese has become one of my favorite saints -- one whom I plan to invoke often.

Thanks to Sophia Institute Press for bringing this back into print.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. I thought in the beginning the author had a very negative view regarding St. Therese, but as it turns out, he was simply on a quest to learn more about her. And that he did. This seemed to be a study of sorts into St. Therese's autobiography, "Story of a Soul". It was a slow read for me in some spots, having already read aforementioned autobiography, but the author did offer some very good insights that I had not previously come to realize back when I read it for myself.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book about Saint Therese and her Little Way. I would recommend to anyone who wants a shorter book about the saint with info about her Little Way.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I recently read the book "The Truth about Therese" by Henri Gheon. My knowledge, teaching abilities & spiritual experiences are in Carmelite spirituality & Ancient Religions, Egyptian, Celtic, Greek & Roman & Norse.
St. Therese is called the "Little Flower." This book, through its author, strips away all the images & presents Therese as she truly was while on earth. She was a sensitive soul, suffering from her mother's early death.
Therese willed her soul to be attached to God, despite years of suffering illnesses, especially T.B. which took her from this life. Dark Nights, no consolations for years. Still, she persisted, seeking her God & to be united to him.
Please first read her autobiography, "The Story of a Soul." Next would be her own" Last Conversations." Discover her from her own hand. For those who have read these, "The Truth about Therese" will be helpful & see her as the brave heroine such as a Joan of Arc.
There is nothing "Little" about St. Therese.

[May · Rating 5 out of 5]

my memoir should be my ex-voto to St Theresa

This book has indeed made this saint come alive for me. She has been my patron Saint fir the longest time. It never occurred to me that I owe her an ex-voto. But. Id I’m going to write my memoir and acknowledge her. Her miracles in my life are truly undeniable

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was meant to be the final book on a year's reading of Therese. Drawn to it by it's title and premise, I found the author's attempt to write a less emotional or sentimental biography refreshing. The "Little Way" of the "Little Flower" often falls to sentiment, whether by those who over-simplify her ideas or desire to see her more as a child than as a woman--a doctor of the Church (1 of 4!!)--deserves better. I am not sure that Gheon does this, and I do think this has something to do with the forced format of the biography (birth to death). Gheon obviously comes to Therese with the sense of frustration at her popular portrayal, and might have done better to use his own ideas as well as documenting popular understanding in connection with a biography.