THE SONG OF BERNADETTE

by Franz Werfel ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 11, 1942

May we confess to a human delight in finding our opinion substantiated by so eminent an authority as the Jury of the B O M? Here's a ""repeat"" on our report of 2/1. ""An inspired book which convinces one almost against one's will, through its very objectivity of presentation, of the miracle of Bernadette of Lourdes. Werfel, a Jew, fleeing from the Nazis to France, and then -- with the fall of France, fleeing again from the country of his adoption, seeks oblivion and anonymity in Lourdes. There, even through the camouflage of modern paraphernalia of the shrine, the spirit that was Loor caught his imagination -- and this story, built on the records and the memories and the legends, vitalized by a sensitive approach to the character of the simple village child, is the result. It is, perhaps, overlong though it does not seem so as one roads, following the impassioned rebellion of church and state, of intellectuals and , of believers and non believers, against the declaration of the vision of the lady in the grutto. Don't let this be lost under the label of a ""religious book"" -- or a book"" -- though it can rightfully have a plus sale to both groups. Perhaps just such a book is needed when people are seeking some new hold on old faith. Beautifully done..."" Our fears of the book being overlooked are no longer justified, with the inevitable fanfare of publicity through Book of the Month selection for June. So, get your share!

Pub Date: May 11, 1942

ISBN: 1586171712

Page Count: -

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1942

Categories: FICTION