Teresa of Avila: The Progress of a Soul

It's remarkable that 500 years after her death, Teresa continues to provoke admiration and castigation, something I think she would have enjoyed, albeit quietly... One thing I relished about this book is the balance the author achieves in relating Teresa the strong reformer and writer and Teresa the Mystic. We are not spared the strange nature of Teresa's mystical life, but neither is it treated in "tabloid" fashion, either. It's important to understand that in her writings, (especially "Interior Castle"), Teresa took great pains to warn people engaged in the mystical life that "supernatural" occurrences should neither be sought or expected and if they do occur to question them deeply and thoroughly. (Teresa's contemporary and friend, John of the Cross, offers the same explicit warning in his writings). Yet, it is troubling to observe so many people try to "explain away" Teresa's mystical experiences as "neurosis" or "insanity". If people paint their faces blue and jump about, scream, weep or faint at a soccer match, we may think it eccentric, but don't necessarily categorize such people as "psychotic"; but if someone expresses enthusiasm and allows the profound depth of their faith and love to express itself, (whether there is something "supernatural" behind it or not), that kind of expression is "crazy". At best, this is intellectual dishonesty. Teresa is solidly a product of her time, with all of its best and worst aspects. Her allure is her ability to transcend those limitations and challenge us to become more than what we are. That alone is enough to make some people apoplectic...

As a Third Order (Lay) Carmelite, I am pleased to recommend Medwick's book to anyone who wants a balanced account of the spiritual and secular journeys of St. Teresa, who lived during Spain's most storied and colorful century. Teresa is often misunderstood, even caricatured, but Medwick strives to show us a clear picture of this woman who was both extremely simple and wondrously complex. Teresa was well acquainted with the world, yet fell passionately in love with her Lord, who called her to look beyond the world into an eternal relationship with Him. Hers was the ancient and ever-new Carmelite experience. I somewhat expected a kind of sneering irony in tone, but, thankfully, I never encountered it, as Medwick did a scholarly and earnest job throughout. Kudos to her, whose account is well researched and compelling, a real-page turner.

I think this is a very valuable and interesting biography. Interesting because Mz Medwick has a scholars touch, she is comfortable with the material and has done much research. Also the author presents the information so that it can help others. Even if the reader is not a believer I think this book will reveal a time and place and personality that will be informative and entertaining, this makes it valuable.

I gave this book five stars because it's intelligent, witty and extremely well-written. A joy to read. The author makes us feel as though we knew Teresa personally. I've read other books about St. Teresa and I've also read Teresa's own works. I was impressed, really in awe. Medwick made me realize what I should have known all along: Teresa was both beautiful and brilliant, and had she been a 20th century woman she would have found many outlets for her boundless energy, enthusiasm and imagination. Living in the circumscribed world of 16th century Spain, however, Teresa's imagination worked against her; although possessing great business acumen, the woman was crazy as a loon. This book, however, is well worth the money and the time and is extremely enjoyable, myth-shattering though it may be. I'll no doubt read it again some day.

I have just finished reading this terrific book. I have been interested in St. Teresa and Spain since age 15 and have even visited Avila. This is absolutely the best book about St. Teresa I have ever read. Ms. Medwick humanizes this heretofore unapproachable saint and we get to know her as she no doubt really was--an extraordinary human being with faults and foilbles like all the rest of us. The narrative was fascinating--I felt like I was actually in 16th century Spain with Teresa and her contemporaries. A treasure. Thank you, Cathleen Medwick!