The Quiet Light: A Novel About Saint Thomas Aquinas

This Catholic historical novel, published in 1950, has proven a delightful surprise. Although a great reader of historical fiction of all types and vintages, I confess I ordered this book with trepidation, expecting that any sort of religious fiction, consciously marketed as such, might be too sentimental to suit my taste. On the contrary, The Quiet Light is a terrific example of most of the finest conventions in historical fiction: exciting, witty, often stylish, capable of piquing one's interest in the period and its leading figures. It's not at all interested in preaching to its reader, choosing instead to engage his or her attention in the conflicts of the period, whether physical, intellectual or spiritual.De Wohl apparently wrote many novels about Catholic saints. I chose this one because of St. Thomas's special significance to me, as the patron of scholars. Like the best historical fiction, it not only excites and delights me in its trappings and makes me want to read more, but also led me to investigate the personages and events of the day, to see how well the fictional and historical have been woven. The novel remained at a high standard of quality throughout and was on occasion both moving and exciting. About the only things I can say against it is that it takes an unflinchingly anti-Muslim slant (perhaps not that unusual for a 1950 Catholic novel) and it falls prey occasionally to heavy handed dialogue--not stilted but heavy on exposition. But given the wide scope of the novel, De Wohl is actually pretty subtle at getting the historical essentials across as smoothly as possible.The novel's somewhat peripheral treatment of St. Thomas is surprising at first, but then begins to make sense as his full story emerges. Thomas spends his days writing, teaching, thinking and praying, while Italy and his family are being torn to pieces around him. The main focus of the story is on political situations, then, (mainly the conflict between Emperor Fredrick II and Rome) which Thomas informs, inspires, and illuminates when the main characters seek him out, but which he only tangentially affects himself. That De Wohl is so capable at evoking this complicated political situation, that he can do so without resorting to tired genre clichés, is the really delightful thing about the novel.Some brief mention of the people and places this novel manages to take on, within its 377 pages. Historical persons featured as characters include Thomas and Frederick of course, but also the following: Albert the Great (Albertus Magnus), one of Thomas's teachers; the Emperor's sons Manfred and Conrad, each of whom eventually become kings; Edward I; St. Louis of France; William of St. Amour, who writes a treatise against the mendicant orders which Thomas challenges; St. Bonaventure, claimed to be the heart of the Franciscans as Thomas is the heart of the Dominicans; John of Procida, a physician in Frederick II's service--at least I think he's historical; and Roger Bacon. Many other historical persons figure in the novel but aren't characters, including Popes Alexander IV, Urban IV, and Clement IV.As for place, The Quiet Light roams around Italy quite a bit: Monte Cassino, the monastery; the University of Naples; Parma; Rocca Secca and other homes of the Aquino families. Paris also is visited, mainly Notre Dame and the Convent of St. Jacques. One scene of the crusades (mostly a backdrop for the novel) takes place at El Mohar, which I take to be in North Africa.A really delightful surprise--probably would make a great gift too! I'm definitely ready for more De Wohl soon.

We have been told to learn about the lives of the Saints in order to grow closer to God. This is the third book by Louis de Wohl that I have read. Each one has touched my heart in a different way and drawn me closer to God. I thank God for the talent of Louis de Wohl.

It’s really at least two stories. One about the saint which traces the basic hagiography while not hiding Thomas’s size. The other deals more with the times in which he lived. He does not appear on over half the pages which instead fictionalize the politics in which his noble family was ensnared. A courtly love interest between his sister and a retainer also plays a role. Frederick II is a charismatic villain for much of the book.I enjoyed it but my attention wandered as I got distracted by the various historical stories woven together. Italian wars, Crusades, Tunisian dungeons, saintly tales — there’s a lot going on.It certainly manages to capture why Thomas would be hailed as a such a light in his times.

I finished this reading as my son lay dying of the plague. It would be God’s will to write the future for him. St. Thomas is my go toSaint to ask for an intervention a and continuation of life for Michael Trout

I had heard someone who studies Thomas Aquinas had read this book and became interested in the study of the virtues, so I decided to give it a try. What an entertaining story!Disclaimer: I'm not an intellectual, so if you are looking for some fancy, well-composed review of this book...move on.If your Christian faith is important to you, and you like a fast-paced, entertaining story - this should be a good read for you! Kind of reminded me of Game of Thrones, but based on real life events, and the protagonists are Catholic. One other aspect of the book that I appreciated was that all of the characters were multi-dimensional - even the protagonists grappled with their faith from time-to-time.The book states that it is about Saint Thomas Aquinas, and while it does revolve around him and may of his philosophies, it is more about his upbringing, his family, the era when he grew up, and several other colorful characters.

First of all, I was pleased that this Kindle edition is well-formatted. With older books like this there are some 'publishers' that just slap the text onto a file and I'm thankful that this edition is not like that.Second, this novel is a beautiful little read that I'm surprised to have not previously heard about. It is an adventure novel, a chivalry romance, and a biography of the Doctor of the Church all at once. I was thrilled to see that the story followed multiple characters to give me context on the times and was pleasantly surprised at how much genuine adventure and emotion is involved. The language is often prose poetry.

Louis De Wohl manages to craft a stunning tower of brilliant writing, maybe somewhat akin to Thomas' own cathedral of thought. He masterfully portrays the courtly life and times of the middle ages and gave special depth to the reality of living as one of the nobility and yet desiring God. This stroke of genius is what really made the book for me. The story of the life of a saint is often told as a series of miracles portraying them as a holy person. While this does that, it shows how in the context of living as an Aquino that it could have been difficult. I believe that the book also gives sufficient depth to the reality of God's grace at work in a person as they gradually come to understand more and more of his plan.The only thing that I would fault the book with is that it really does focus on the history that surrounds St. Thomas Aquinas and the 13th century world in which he lived. While this helps us understand, it also leaves the saint in the shadows sometimes where he is not heard from for longer passages as others debate or act.All in all, it is a book that greatly assisted me in my spiritually journey and I whole-heartedly recommend it to others.

Very good read.