The Road to Damietta

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.