CITADEL OF GOD

by Louis de Wohl ‧ RELEASE DATE: N/A

This is a novel of St. Benedict, another in de Wohl's series of fictionalized biographies of the saints. In sixth century Rome under Theoderich the Goth, young Benedictus becomes the tutor of Peter, adopted son of the philosopher Boethius. Failing to influence the boy, Benedictus leaves Rome for the life of a hermit convinced that Roman life offered only obstacles to the spiritual life. From this point on, though the author pays cursory attention to Benedict's spiritual development and the founding of his monastic system, the story is concerned largely with the social upheaval of the times and Peter's career in political machination. Having plotted for years with Justinian to undermine the kingdom of the Goths, Peter eventually becomes Imperial Governor of Italy and Sicily only to find that his goal of power and influence is an ever-receding one. Desperate and afraid he comes to Mount Cassinum and Benedict for forgiveness, finally dies repentant. Though competent enough as a limited social document, the novel leaves the area of spiritual motivation and implication relatively untouched.

Pub Date: N/A

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Lippincott

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1959

Categories: FICTION