THE SONG OF BERNADETTE

by Franz Werfel ‧ RELEASE DATE: May 11, 1942

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, fissing 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 Lourdes caught his imagination -- and this story, built on the records and the memories and the legends, vitalised 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 reads, 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 gr. Don't let this he lost under the label of a ""religious book"" -- or a ""Catholic book"", though it can rightfully be sold in both groups. Perhaps just such a book is needed when people are seeking some hold on faith. Beautifully done.

Pub Date: May 11, 1942

ISBN: 1586171712

Page Count: -

Publisher: Viking

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: May 1, 1942

Categories: FICTION