A Friend's Up-Close, Revelatory View of the Most Beloved and Intriguing of Saints

How did a rich young rowdy from an unimportant town become, eight centuries later, the symbol of tender love in flower gardens worldwide? As globally beloved and thoroughly studied as Francis of Assisi is, many questions remain. What happened when he met his dark side in a cave? Given his lack of high rank or good looks, what drew so many followers to him so rapidly? Why did he cooperate with the powerful church rather than fight its worldly corruption head on? Did he ever woo the lovely and holy Clare? Did he have the reviled disease of leprosy? Were his marks of Christ’s crucifixion real and if so, why did he cover them up?

In this fast-moving biographical novel, a childhood friend -- a donkey tender-turned-friar -- illuminates Francis’s human side. Through his eyes, we see Francis undergo trauma, ecstasies, purposefulness, confusion and self-doubts, and we cheer Francis on as he tenaciously sows the seeds of love and peace that inspire many today.

Francis’s story once again transcends the centuries, for it shows us the possibility of moving lovingly and powerfully through times of tumult.