The Passionate Troubadour: A Medieval Novel about Francis of Assisi

I truly hated to see this book come to an end. The last few chapters I limited myself to how much I would read as I wanted to make it last as long as possible. Plus, the feast day of Francis of Assisi was coming and I wanted to finish this book on his feast day. Knowing the story and life of Francis, I knew that he would pass from this life to the next, and when it is celebrated, so, I read so that I would end on Oct. 4th. Fr. Ed Hays is a wonderful author and a grand story teller. I know him personally and treasure his books and his friendship, and I would recommend this book and any of his to anyone that would like to have a closer walk with Our Lord.

Through this novel, Francis of Assisi comes out of the birdbath and into the reality of the human struggle. Through the pages of this novel we become intimately familiar with his real-life doubts to find what direction his life should take. We see his burning desire to please his father, a man who has no understanding of who is son really is. We see him pulled in so many ways at the same time that, for a time, confusion is his main state of mind. As he grows older and responds to God's call, we still see him struggle as any human being does with the reality of his life. And through it all, we see Francis embracing life as few individuals have. The fictionalized version of this beloved saint reveals him much like he must have been. It is worth the investment in time and gives us all hope that we, too, may find joy in life's struggles.

As the story of the book has already been previewed,I'd like to write about some other aspects .Saint Francis is the most "popular" saint of all, so as a non believer, or at least doubtful person I bumped in to Him througout life countless times.So I picked up this book,and was surprised by how I felt after finishing it:it is so elevating and insightful! It is full of love towards all creatures regardless of their religion,or where they came from,and it makes You want to be a better person.It's long ,638 pages,but well worth it,nicely written,philosophycal,well researched and has nice artwork.

In The Passionate Troubadour, author Edward Hays (a Catholic priest in the Archdiocese of Kansas City, Kansas, since 1958) wonderfully presents the story of Francis of Assisi as a work of fiction that pays meticulous observance to the details of European medieval history. It tells of a young man searching for his purpose in life, who encounters a mystical voice that charges him with a seemingly meaningless task. He embarks upon the life-changing decision of casting aside his wealth and finery of the merchant class and taking up the rags of a beggar. His long journey will culminate in his transformation into a passionate troubador for Christ. A moving, creative, and vividly original account.