The Story of a Soul: St. Therese of Lisieux, Updated Edition

by Therese of Lisieux, Robert Edmonson (Translator)

Overview

Discover the Timeless Wisdom and Heart of St. Thérèse of Lisieux

Experience The Story of a Soul like never before with this complete and unabridged translation of St. Thérèse of Lisieux’s timeless autobiography. The original text is preserved, capturing the vibrant spirit of the young woman whose “Little Way” continues to inspire millions.

St. Thérèse, affectionately known as “The Little Flower,” shares her extraordinary journey of faith, humility, and love in a simple yet profoundly moving narrative. First published shortly after her death in 1897 at just 24 years old, her story became an instant bestseller, captivating readers with its delightful blend of humor, honesty, and heartfelt devotion to God.

This edition offers:

• A Complete Translation: Includes the original text, faithfully preserving Thérèse’s charm and insight.
• Engaging and Accessible Language: A fresh, lively translation that remains true to her unique voice while being easy to read for modern audiences.
• Enhanced Readability: Features a thoughtfully designed interior with larger font for a comfortable reading experience.

Declared a Doctor of the Church by Pope Saint John Paul II in 1997, St. Thérèse remains one of the most beloved saints in history. Her "Little Way"—finding holiness in small, everyday acts of love—has transformed countless lives. Whether you are encountering her story for the first time or revisiting it, this edition of The Story of a Soul invites you to draw closer to her simple yet profound spirituality.

Let her words inspire you to live with great love and joy, no matter how small the task.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781557254870
Publisher:	Paraclete Press
Publication date:	04/08/2025
Series:	Living Library
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.10(h) x 0.85(d)
Age Range:	14 Years

About the Author

The most popular saint of the first half of the twentieth century, St. Thérèse of Lisieux—"the Little Flower"—was declared a Doctor of the Church in 1997 by Pope Saint John Paul II. Her autobiography, The Story of a Soul, has sold millions of copies in many languages all over the world.


Robert J. Edmonson, CJ, holds a certificate in French from the University of Montpellier (France) and degrees in French from the University of Miami and Middlebury College. His translations—including one of the world's best-selling English-language editions of The Story of a Soul—have sold 100,000 copies.

Editorial Reviews

Canonized in 1925, Therese of Lisieux was declared a doctor of the Church by Pope John Paul II in 1997. Her "little way" of living her religious life has appealed to many people since she described it in her autobiography, which she wrote at the request of her superiors. Having entered the Carmelite monastery in 1888 at the unusually young age of 14, she died in 1897 from tuberculosis. The appeal of her autobiography comes from the very simple, ingenuous way she writes, relating her life story and her religious experience with the utmost candor. In a smooth translation from the French original, Edmonson (translator, Brother Lawrence's The Practice of the Presence of God) eschews footnotes and adds clarifying phrases, set off by brackets, to the text itself. Those seeking a more scholarly footnoted English edition will still want to use John Clarke's translation (ICS Pub., 1976), which also includes photographs. Those seeking a popular biography should consider Kathryn Harrison's Saint Therese of Lisieux in the "Penguin Lives" series.
Recommended for most collections.
Augustine J. Curley, Newark Abbey, NJ Library Journal March 15, 2006

From the Publisher