St. Francis, by Nikos Kazantzakis

Beautifully written account of the life of Francis of Assisi, sometimes known as God's Little Pauper (Poverello di Dio), God's Fool, God's Bufoon, etc. The book is a novel, not exactly a biography, but a lot of what it relates is indeed fact. Perhaps it's greatest "sin" is the fact that the reader not well versed in the saint's biography will see a blurred line dividing art and fiction and have a tough time reconciling with reality. Although some might argue that's a negative point, I wouldn't agree: this book may instigate the reader to pursue the facts of Francis' life and that stimulus in itself may be a good thing (personally, I think there's much to learn from this man's experiences). If I may suggest two great companions for further research on this topic, I can recommend G. K. Chesterton's "Saint Francis of Assisi" and Julian Green's "God's Fool".

This was the first novel on Francis' life I've ever read and I enjoyed it very much despite one little snag that sometimes tugged at the edge of my consciousness. At certain points in this story, the reader is lead to question Francis' sanity, in more clinical terms. So, yes, the man was unbelievably determined in his quest for embracing simplicity and poverty so as to transform flesh into spirit and to go back to the roots of Christendom. To us who wouldn't think of inflicting the smallest discomfort on your pampered bodies, or even, to us who have a healthy sense of self-preservation, many of his actions in this novel will seem insane. Actually, you don't even have to take this direction in order to make your point: a man who stands up, starts dancing and clapping his hands and praising the Lord at any moment whatsoever, regardless of the formality of the situation, must have at least one loose screw in his brains, right?

I'm not sure that's right. I'm fascinated with this man who embraced the almost impossible mission to restore the Church of his times to the mission of it's humble beginnings without ever setting out to do so. He turns his life 180 degrees around to reinforce the foundations of a faltering institution with simplicity and innocence, with a profound love for all things. He fights the good fight, a fight for a greater cause that's unquestionable, but he also fights against himself in way that we only wish each and everyone of us could also do. He battles against the base human desires, against cynicism, against selfishness, against arrogance, turning himself into a source of light, an example for mankind. If he seems crazy, maybe that's what it takes to arrive at the point where he got. His biographers show respect enough not to paint him as a looney, although some definitely hint at it, but it Kazantzakis has no fear to make you consider that possibility.

All in all, like in "The Last Temptation of Christ" but to a much smaller extent, this novel by Kazantazakis may offend the faithful at certain points. I would say, though, that's it's well worth it to face different possibilities with an open mind and then sift through them with your own convictions and beliefs. I found this book extremely beautiful and moving and were it not so expensive because it's out of print, I would love to have it permanently on my bookshelf or perhaps on my bedside table. Thank goodness for good libraries!