Georges Bernanos Libros

In this classic Catholic novel, Bernanos movingly recounts the life of a young French country priest who grows to understand his provincial parish while learning spiritual humility himself. Awarded the Grand Prix for Literature by the Academie Francaise, The Diary of a Country Priest was adapted into an acclaimed film by Robert Bresson. "A book of the utmost sensitiveness and compassion...it is a work of deep, subtle and singularly encompassing art." — New York Times Book Review (front page)

Georges Bernanos challenges the notion of comforting readers, advocating instead for a jarring approach that provokes deeper reflection. Through a collection of letters and essays, he critiques unthinking piety and simplistic understandings of God, urging readers to confront uncomfortable truths. This compilation, presented for the first time in English, showcases Bernanos's incisive insights as one of the prominent Catholic authors of the twentieth century.

Exploring the themes of evil and salvation, the narrative centers on Fr. Donissan, a fervent yet simple priest dedicated to his rural ministry. His deep understanding of his parishioners' struggles, coupled with a keen awareness of the lurking presence of Satan, leads him to confront profound moral dilemmas. Through encounters with a fallen woman, a dying child, and fellow priests in doubt, the story unfolds with dramatic intensity and meditative insights, showcasing Bernanos's unique literary style and artistic vision.

Set against the backdrop of the French Revolution, a group of Carmelite sisters faces execution for their unwavering faith. As they stand on the brink of martyrdom, the youngest, Blanche de la Force, grapples with her fears and has fled. In this poignant moment, the remaining sisters cling to their beliefs, praying for strength and love to overcome their terror. The story delves into themes of faith, sacrifice, and the struggle between fear and love in the face of death.

Námětem divadelní hry je skutečná historická událost – poprava šestnácti karmelitek z Compiegne za Velké francouzské revoluce. Předlohou byla novela Gertrud von Le Fort Poslední na popravišti.