Citadel of God: A Novel about Saint Benedict

by Louis de Wohl

Book Overview

Another of the popular historical novels by the distinguished de Wohl, telling the dramatic story of St. Benedict, the father of Western monasticism, who played such a major role in the Christianization and civilization of post-Roman Europe in the sixth century. De Wohl weaves an intricate tapestry of love, violence and piety to recount with historical accuracy the story of St. Benedict and the tempestuous era in which he lived.

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• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0898704049
• ISBN13: 9780898704044
• Release Date: March 1994
• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Length: 345 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 5.3" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

One Of The Best Books Yet

This novel, Citadel of God, about St. Benedict is a must read, it's one of the best books yet, I loved it, it's very detail, exciciting, interesting, and hellarious at times. I'm not dissapointed at all for I thought it was going to be kind of boring, the characters and the city of Rome which is in chaos comes alive with vivid details and characters that take you back to St. Benedict's time. St. Benedict is truly a man of God, and dedicated his whole life to Him by builing and living in famous monestaries which were truly Citadels of God.

OSB still going after 1500 years

Until I read this gem by de Wohl, all I knew about St Benedict was that he founded a Catholic order of priests now known at the Benedictines. He certainly was close to God, and God must have inspired him to write his rules for living together. After 1,500 years, the Order of St Benedict is still operating.The book got me interested in Theodoric, the Ostrogoths, and Boethius, and it's been fun reading about them on the Internet and seeing how well de Wohl knew his history.

Truely it is the Citadel of God

The novel Citadel of God is one of the finest works I have read about St.Benedict. While keeping St.Benedict as the main subject of the book, de Wohl also includes the chaotic war between the Goths and Byzantium. In doing this de Wohl unites the almost opposite "plots" through wicked Peter's visit to Monte Cassino and conversation with St.Benedict at Cassino while also remaining historically accurate. In all this book is a must read for those who are interested in history and most importantly for a look at one man's journey to God.

Rome in Chaos - Benedict at Peace

This is an excellent rendering of the story of St. Benedict. Rome is in chaos. The Goths have destroyed all that ancient Rome was, and many Romans are willing to use any means to regain that ancient glory.Peter, the unscrupulous, destroys the lives of nearly everyone he touches. Benedict, once his tutor, brings the life of God to all he touches.As a boy, Benedict was told "Life is dirty. Don't think you can change it. No one can. And you are living in it." Benedict, seeing that the false life in Rome is "dirty," becomes a hermit and then the great saint that God calls him to be.Read this book and enjoy your glimpse into Rome. De Wohl has obviously done a lot of research to provide us this historical fiction. His portrayal of Rome as unseemly and yet a jewel is fascinating. His portrayal of Benedict is enlightening.The Citadel of God was Benedict's monastery. It still stands today and this book is a testament to a man that was favored by God because of his faith. Enjoy the book.

Spellbinding

What a story! A beautiful rendering of the life of Saint Benedict against the backdrop of struggles between Rome and Byzantium. The history is rich and detailed, and the characters well-developed. I would recommend it for both men and women.