Saint Helena and the True Cross

By Louis de Wohl

Book Overview

Set against the colorful background of power struggles in imperial Rome and battling Roman legions, this is the exciting story of St. Helena, mother of the Emperor Constantine, who found the Cross of Christ in Jerusalem. This book for young people paints a vivid portrait of a remarkable woman who overcame every obstacle with faith, hope, perseverance... and a healthy dose of ambition.

In this 29th book in the acclaimed Vision Books series for youth, Louis de Wohl, known for his masterful storytelling, describes the amazing events that led to the conversion of Helena and the rise to power of her son. He also recounts the vision Constantine experienced on the eve of a pivotal battle and his subsequent legalization of Christianity in the fourth century. The story dramatically concludes with St. Helena's final accomplishment-her dangerous and miraculous expedition to the Holy Land.

Louis de Wohl wrote numerous historical novels for adults, including The Living Wood, which is also about St. Helena and Constantine. He earned international acclaim for The Spear, and among his other popular titles are Lay Siege to Heaven, The Restless Flame, The Joyful Beggar and The Quiet Light.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 158617598X
• ISBN13: 9781586175986
• Release Date: February 2012
• Publisher: Ignatius Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 7.9"
• Age Range: 9 to 15 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 10

Customer Reviews

Entertaining and Historically Accurate

Great way to learn about history as well as about The Church's saints. I also enjoyed De Wohl's City of God, The Spear and The Restless Flame. I can't wait to read his others. I would reccomend for homeschooling history, although there are a few scenes that I would not read to my children. They are not graphic but innappropriate for younger children. An overall exciting and historically accurate book.

I haven't read this in years, but I've read it a dozen times or so

I was probably about 8 when I first read this (I was reading adult books by this age), but I read it over and over again thru my 20s. I don't know how factual the background story was in this work of historical fiction, but the characters jumped out of the page at me and I seemed to get something new out of it every time I read it. The fictional part of the story was about a Roman soldier who was somehow involved in the crucifixion, and how it affected his life. Even though I've never been particulary religious, I found it a very moving tale. I lost it somewhere along the way, and from time to time I wish I could get a copy and see if it affects me as strongly as it did then.