It’s no secret that I’m quite in awe of that famous Martin family from Lisieux. So then, it will come as no surprise to learn that I thoroughly enjoyed this offering from Marie Baudouin-Croix.
Leonie Martin: A Difficult Life is not a theological treatise but rather an illustration of Leonie furnished by those who knew her.
The book features prominently the letters of Saint Zelie Martin, addressing her difficult daughter, as well as the correspondence of Leonie with her Carmelite Sisters.
“Poor Leonie” reaches out from within the pages, standing outside of the shadows of her already sanctified parents and sister Therese, and provides a beacon of hope to those of us who have difficult natures, or are raising them, as the case may be.
The easily accessible language makes this book a great entry point for those who find Saint Therese of Lisieux a little daunting, and of interest to those who would like to learn more about the Martin family.
It is also of interest to those who have experience with those on the autism spectrum. Leonie has become the unofficial patron of those with autism, some scholars even postulate that she was on the spectrum herself thus accounting for her ‘difficult nature’. Regardless of this, the book gives hopes to parents who worry that they do not see the spiritual or behavioural success in their children that they would like. And perhaps encouragement to trust in God’s plan – that he will unfold in his own time.
I read Leonie Martin: A Difficult Life in one sitting and really enjoyed the more relaxed style. Like Leonie herself, this book has no pretentions, but treasure is found within.
Originally posted 2020-01-27 09:30:17.