Edith Stein's autobiography, Life in a Jewish Family, ends with a joyful scene celebrating her award of a doctorate, when friends place on her head a wreath of daisies. Now, Pat Lyne, author of the popular biography Edith Stein Discovered, takes this image as the starting point for her sequel. Discovering Edith Stein is her own life story: the central thread is her deepening knowledge and love of the saint which began when Edith was barely known; and the flowers of the 'daisy wreath' represent the many people she has met along the way, the landmark figures in her quest. The reader is soon drawn into this warmly written account, visiting places which were part of Edith's life and meeting some pioneering figures of Edith Stein research, all of which is narrated in memorable cameo portraits and engaging prose.
Pat Lyne's involvement with Edith Stein is closely intertwined with circumstances and areas of her own life, and these form the colourful backdrop to the 'discovery'. As former guestmistress of the Presteigne Carmel, she has many insights to relate about this monastery on the Welsh Borders, from its courageous beginnings through to its poignant closure. She also charts, as background to her membership, the development of another important form of Carmelite life: the Secular Order (formerly 'tertiaries'), for which she was the English delegate to Rome and, for many years, editor of its newsletter.
A collection of photographs adds further vividness to the people and places which this fascinating book captures for posterity. It is the record of a path walked with Edith Stein and it invites the reader, in turn, to drarw inspiration from a most remarkable saint, guide and friend.
Pat Lyne, former President of the Hereford Secular Carmelites, is a retired international pony judge. She has written numerous books on the Connemara pony breed, in addition to Edith Stein Discovered.
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