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From the Loyola Classics series . . .

"New editions of acclaimed Catholic novels."

Review by Fran Rutherford, of the Aquinas and More staff:

"Helena shattered all of my preconceived notions about St. Constantine and St. Helen. The road to sainthood is often very rocky, and that was illustrated in this novel by Evelyn Waugh. Those were the days of early Christianity, and somehow the Faith did not always inform the way people lived their lives. Marriages were for convenience and wives were put aside much as an old coat would have been. People were dispatched if they were inconvenient, and the future St. Constantine managed to get rid of anybody who stood in his way. 

Helen knew how her world worked, however, and she was a noble character, despite the fact that she was put aside early on. It was in her old age that she accepted the Christian Faith, and the time she actually spent in search of the True Cross occupied a rather minor portion of the book.

This was an interesting look at life in the 300s. For those interested in historical fiction, it is a good read and if the portrayal of life during that period is even partially accurate, it makes me glad I live now and not then!"

 

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Synopsis:

Helena is the intelligent, horse-mad daughter of a British chieftain who is suddenly betrothed to the warrior who becomes the Roman emperor Constantius. She spends her life seeking truth in the religions, mythologies, and philosophies of the declining ancient world. This she eventually finds in Christianity—and literally in the Cross of Christ.

This new edition of Helena includes an introduction by George Weigel, as well as discussion questions designed to help deepen the reading experience for both individuals and reading groups.

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