
From Arthurian legend to ancient Byzantium, from richly imagined worlds to breathtakingly re-created historical epochs, the novels of Stephen R. Lawhead weave a splendid tapestry of mysticism, heroism, adventure, revelation, and faith. Now the acclaimed author brings to magnificent life one of the most revered and remarkable figures of Celtic legend.He enters the world as Succat Morgannwg, born of a noble Welsh family in the golden age of Britain. But at age sixteen he is violently torn from his family and home by Irish raiders and sold as a slave to a brutal king. So begin seven years of toil, abuse, and servitude -- and an education that will ultimately turn his path toward the extraordinary.Rescued by the king's druids from almost certain death, young Succat soon learns the arts of healing and song, and the mystical ways of a secretive order whose teachings tantalize and tempt, hinting at a wisdom and faith deeper than he can imagine.Yet he will not rest until he sheds the yoke of slavery and returns to his homeland across the sea. When the miracle of opportunity appears, he leaps -- pursuing his dream of freedom through horrific war and shattering tragedy, through great love and greater loss -- from a decimated Wales to the bloody battlefields of Gaul to the fading majesty of Rome. In the twilight of a once supreme empire, he is transformed yet again by a divine hand and a passionate vision of "Truth against the world." And from a friend and mentor, he receives the name that will become legend: Patricius.A magnificent epic that sweeps across decades and continents, Stephen R. Lawhead's Patrick is an exhilarating adventure based on exhaustive research and newly emergent historical discovery -- a masterful and unforgettable portrait of a slave, soldier, lover, hero, and saint... a man whose life mirrored the cataclysmic world into which he was born, and whose memory will outlast the ages.
Succat Morgannwg is abducted from his noble Welsh home by Irish raiders, forcing him into a grueling seven-year period of enslavement that serves as the crucible for his future identity. As a young man stripped of his status, Succat must navigate the brutal realities of servitude under a harsh king while simultaneously absorbing the esoteric teachings of the druids. His objective is to secure his freedom and return to his homeland, a pursuit that leads him through the collapsing structures of the Roman Empire and the chaotic battlefields of Gaul. The narrative follows his physical and spiritual transformation, utilizing a third-person perspective to track his evolution from a captive youth to the figure known as Patricius. The world is defined by the tension between fading imperial power and the rising influence of early Christian faith.
Readers frequently highlight the author's ability to balance historical research with narrative momentum, creating a vivid portrait of a well-known saint. Discussion often centers on the effectiveness of the world-building, particularly the contrast between the brutal reality of slavery and the protagonist's internal spiritual growth. Critics note the pacing is deliberate, allowing for deep character development as the protagonist moves across various European landscapes. Many readers appreciate the focus on the human elements of the story rather than purely hagiographic accounts, providing a grounded perspective on a legendary figure. The narrative is often praised for its ability to make ancient history accessible through a personal lens.
Page Count:
464
Publication Date:
2003-03-01
Publisher:
William Morrow
ISBN-10:
0060012811
ISBN-13:
9780060012816
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