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The Song of Bernadette

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The Song of Bernadette

By: Franz Werfel
Narrated by: Johanna Ward
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About this listen

 Considered one of the greatest novels of simple and triumphant religious faith to be published in the 20th century, how the The Song of Bernadette came to be written is an inspirational - even miraculous - story in its own right. In June 1940, famed Austrian author Franz Werfel and his beautiful wife, Alma Mahler, were on a desperate flight across France, seeking to escape certain death at the hands of the Nazi invaders. Franz had written many articles and given many radio speeches denouncing their tyranny. Repeatedly thwarted in their attempts to cross the French border into neutral Spain, they found temporary refuge in the small town of Lourdes, home of the famous shrine where the virtuous Bernadette received visions of the Virgin Mary and where millions came in faith to seek a miracle. During his time in Lourdes, Werfel became fascinated with Bernadette's story, and then, as his faith grew, he began to visit the sacred grotto every day, taking the waters and swearing an oath that, should he and his wife be granted escape from the Nazis, he would write the story of Bernadette for all the world to savor. Franz's prayers were answered. In a harrowing ascent over the Pyrenees mountains, he and Alma fled to Spain and then on to America. Once there Franz kept his promise. He wrote The Song of Bernadette, his masterpiece, a beautiful fusion of faith and craft.©1942 by Viking Penguin, Inc. (P)1997 by Blackstone Audiobooks Christian Living Christianity Marriage

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All stars
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This book is for anyone to read. I know the story only too well and in the past, I have read accounts of what happened in this beautiful place in southern France.Some of the accounts have appeared almost childish and others, almost too serious.

This is a very palatable balance and gives a true narration of what really happened in a place which has been most impactful on my life.

I have had the joy i’m also watching the film on which this book is based.Whilst the film is beautiful, the book is far superior.I only have two words for you: read it!

The best telling of the best account ever.

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An incredible story of an incredible young woman. Great audio book with sound narration.

An incredible story

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loved this audio book. The characters were all brought to life. I felt I came to really know St Bernadette and her family. Her story really touched my heart

great narrative, loved the story of Bernadette

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It is a great story and Bernadette's character is well drawn.
It is hilarious in parts, which makes it all the more authentic to those of us who know Lourdes and its story very well.
It is not completely faithful to the documented accounts from the time of the apparitions, but Franz Werfel wrote it in gratitude to the people of Lourdes for helping him hide and escape from the Nazis. This is a novel and the author can be forgiven imperfect research.

Wonderful book

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A touching narrative masterfully crafted by Werfel. My Catholic grandfather suggested reading it - but it is a tale of the 19th century whose existential questions and moral truths ring true as much today in the 21st century as in Werfel's time after the 2nd World War. The author enjoys every word and every character... and it passes on to the reader.

I also loved listening to it rather than lugging around such a big book... I actually managed to complete reading it because of this.

Worth the read no matter your religion

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SAINT BERNADETTE'S EXPERIENCES AND THAT OF HER FAMILY PRESENTED AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. GOOD BOOK TO READ BEFORE VISIT AND AFTER VISITING LOURDES. WELL READ AUDIO BOOK.

PERFECT

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Having seen the film a few times it was good to read the book finally. The narration was ok but Bernadette sounded more ‘holier than thou’ which was a shame. Generally however the narrator did well with a variety of voices and accents. The preamble of the reason this book was written was fascinating.

Enjoyable

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Wonderfully told story of St Bernadette which adds so much detail to the film which itself is very faithful to the book. The impact of the young saint continues today and this is a testament to why that is so.

Inspiring

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