The restless flame

About this book

This is a stirring novel which deals reverently but realistically with the fascinating life and era of St. Augustine, one of the most remarkable men of all time. In his vigorous and inimitable style, Louis de Wohl tells the story of St. Augustine's transformation from a vain, sensual youth to the brilliant, devout writer and theologian - the man who conquered himself as completely as he did the adversaries of the Church - whose literary and philosophical masterpieces were to dominate Western thought for a thousand years. He has carefully re-created the exciting historical background of the time - the turbulent atmosphere of the Roman Empire in the last days of decadence - skillfully weaving together the personalities whose lives closely affected Augustine: Monica, his saintly and heroic mother; majestic Ambrose, Bishop of Milan; and many others whom lend richness and depth to the life story of this great Doctor of the Church. Here is a novel that glistens with the imaginative and vivid drama that epitomized St. Augustine's tumultuous life, presented with a master story-teller's characteristic flair for graphic description, sensitive portraiture and fascinating historical lore.

Themes & subjects

About the author

Louis De Wohl

1903 – 1961

Wohl was born in Berlin to a poor Catholic family, with a Hungarian father and Austrian mother of Jewish descent. In 1935, he emigrated to England due to his objections to the Nazi regime. He began writing as early as the age of 7. His teachers praised his ability. At the age of 8 he wrote the play "Jesus of Nazareth" because he didn't like how Jesus was portrayed by some books he read. Writing as Ludwig von Wohl, he became quite a successful novelist during his youth in Germany, where sixteen of his novels were turned into films. The best known of these was the 1934 comedy classic Die englische Heirat (The English Marriage). In an audience with Pope Pius XII he was told to "write ab…