Saint of the Wilderness

by Jess Carr

Book by Carr, Jess

Genres: Biography

441 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1974

About the author

A native of southwest Virginia, Jess Carr lived and worked among the mountain people most of his life. He was a graduate of Coyne Technical School in Chicago, and served with the Marine Corps during the Korean War. Before be began his full-time writing career, Mr. Carr held a variety of jobs including country store-keeper, part-time barber, lumberjack, and president of a commercial printing firm.

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Saint of the Wilderness has been out of print for some time, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it on the shelf at my local library. I love the story of Robert Sheffey because he focused on reaching the poor people in the southeast, which is where my roots are. The book follows Sheffey's life, from his privileged yet difficult upbringing in the home of a wealthy aunt and uncle to his death in the home of friends after decades of itinerant preaching ministry. The thing that strikes me most about Sheffey is his manner of praying. To him, praying is simply talking to God--just like he would talk to anyone else. He always prayed out loud, sometimes for hours at a time. The book recounts numerous instances when Sheffey's prayers for miraculous things came to pass. It has challenged my own walk with God. Robert Sheffey poured out his life for the people he served--sometimes to the detriment of his own family. While he did not live a perfect life, he nevertheless was a man who truly walked with God, and the people who knew him--whether they loved him for it or not--knew that. His epitaph reads "The poor were sorry when he died." If you can get your hands on this book, read it. It will be challenging, heartbreaking, uplifting, and inspiring, all at the same time.

[Tim McGuire · Rating 4 out of 5]

This "biographical novel" was the basis for the 1977 film "Sheffey". It tells the life story of an eccentric Methodist circuit-riding preacher who was know for his powerful prayers and his tender love of animals (for instance, he once stopped a funeral procession he was leading when he noticed a dung beetle overturned in a rut in the road; he picked it up and set it upright on the side of the road so it would not be harmed.)

[Lana Sterling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written!!

This is an amazing story of a man who loved the Lord and people. It is so beautifully written it makes you feel as if you are with Brother Bob all the way through this book. It’s a great read you’ll always remember. The only negative I see is that he neglected his families throughout his life. This is very disturbing! Many lessons to be learned. Read and enjoy!!!!

[Melba · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book before, but I wanted to read it again. I would love to have a copy, but the cheapest one I can find is $60 (just a bit much for me to spend for a book); therefore, I just checked it out at the library again, so I get to keep it for 2 weeks.

I finally found a copy, so I now have my own. I truly love reading this book, and I would have like to have known this man.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so glad I read this novel. It is truly inspirational! This book has shown me a man who selflessly loved and served people almost his entire life. His prayer life and faith in God to answer prayer is something I hope to attain.

[Christina Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book. Jess Carr was a great author.