
A parent might reach for this book when their teenager is struggling to reconcile material desires with a burgeoning sense of purpose or spiritual calling. It is an ideal choice for adolescents who feel like outsiders because their values do not align with the status quo of their peer group. Through the eyes of Ricca, a young woman in 13th-century Italy, the story explores the radical life of Francis of Assisi and the cost of total devotion. The book touches on themes of unrequited love, the pursuit of integrity, and the courage required to follow a difficult path. While it is set against the backdrop of the Crusades, the emotional core focuses on the internal struggle between worldly comfort and spiritual conviction. It is a sophisticated read for ages 12 and up that encourages deep reflection on what it means to live a meaningful life.
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Sign in to write a reviewThemes of unrequited love, poverty, and the physical suffering of the sick.
Characters travel through war zones and face threats from soldiers and disease.
Focused on Ricca's deep, unrequited longing for Francis.
The book deals directly with religious conversion, poverty, and the brutality of medieval warfare. The approach is historical and direct, showing the harsh realities of the Crusades. The resolution is bittersweet and realistic: Ricca does not get the romance she wants, but she finds a sense of purpose and peace.
A 14-year-old girl who enjoys historical fiction and is currently questioning her own life's direction or perhaps dealing with the realization that a crush doesn't share her feelings. It is perfect for the teen who prefers 'serious' books about big ideas.
Parents should be aware of scenes depicting the aftermath of battle and the physical toll of leprosy and asceticism. It is helpful to provide some historical context regarding the Crusades and the social structure of medieval Italy. A parent might notice their child becoming disillusioned with social media vanity or expressing a desire to do something 'radical' or altruistic that seems impractical or even dangerous.
Younger teens will focus on the unrequited love story and the adventure of the journey. Older teens will better grasp the philosophical tension between the beauty of the world and the calling of the spirit.
Unlike many hagiographies, this is a humanizing look at a saint from the perspective of someone who loved him as a man, written with Scott O'Dell's signature spare, evocative prose.
Narrated by Ricca, a fictional childhood friend of Francis Bernardone (later Saint Francis of Assisi), the story follows her lifelong obsession with him. As Francis transforms from a wealthy, party-loving youth into a radical ascetic, Ricca follows him from Italy to the battlefields of Damietta during the Fifth Crusade. She witnesses his attempts to bring peace between Christians and Muslims while grappling with her own desire for him versus his commitment to God.
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