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(More customer reviews)Antier's task with this book is an admirably ambitious one. The story of Charles de Foucauld, or Charles of Jesus, is as intricate and intimidating as it is powerful and inspiring, and because it is a story of redemption, compassion and hope taking place within a bleak era for both Christianity and the world (the early 20th century), it is of immeasurable value. Antier manages well to trace Charles' steps, from his unfortunate childhood to his gluttonous life as an mediocre military officer, enraptured in all the distractions of the world, to his radical conversion to a living Christian faith that would take him down a most Christ-like path of sacrifice and singular devotion. The biggest challenge for the author in this case is simply not to lose focus of the substance of Charles' wandering and awakening, and Antier succeeds on that point. As a kind of antithesis of the Rich Young Man, the transformed Charles wanted his life to reveal to others Christ's presence among them, and Antier justly allows that driving passion to shape the course of the book. The intent here is earnestly hagiographical; the main point is the severe holiness that would be Charles' gift to the world, to both the Christian church and to his non-Christian neighbors. True, the way Charles sought to live out his love for Christ, as a Christian ascetical hermit among the Muslim nomads of the Sahara desert, is too severe for most Christians, yet it is a story that should told and heard. As Christianity grows more aware of its place a global, pluralistic culture, and especially with its relations with Islam or other religions, it will need the lessons which only a life like Charles' can teach. Moreover, it is a reminder to all Christians, in a time of indifference and apathy, of the centrality of the call to holiness and sacrifice for the authentic Christian life.
Antier is very capable writer, and his book, even in translation, is exceptionally readable. He himself is undoubtedly inspired by Charles' life, which comes through in his enthusiastic prose. Yet by keeping to its clear and simple aim, this book does not sensationalize Charles' life; all Antier needs to do to keep the reader's interest is to offer up this remarkable story. Even so, you cannot help but feel the storyteller's joy coming off the pages, and that only makes it all the more attractive.
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