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Christianity, Conversion to -- Fiction Books
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Anatole France
Thais
"Thais" by Anatole France is a novel published in 1890. Based on the life of a legendary 4th-century Egyptian saint, it tells the story of Paphnuce, an ascetic hermit who travels to Alexandria to convert Thais, a famous libertine beauty. When he succeeds in bringing her to Christianity, an unexpected transformation occurs—he becomes obsessed with her former life while she devotes herself to repentance. Their spiritual journeys take ironic and tragic turns in this tale of faith, desire, and illusion.
Mary E. (Mary Ellen) Bamford
Out of the Triangle: A Story of the Far East
"Out of the Triangle: A Story of the Far East" by Mary E. Bamford is a historical novel likely written in the late 19th century. The story is set in ancient Alexandria and follows the emotional journey of its main character, Heraklas, a young boy grappling with the loss of his brother Timokles, who has been exiled for embracing Christianity against the Roman Emperor's edict. The narrative explores themes of faith, betrayal, and the collision of pagan and Christian beliefs in a tumultuous historical context. The opening portion of the novel introduces readers to Heraklas' distress as he mourns the absence of his brother, who has been unjustly accused and banished. As the young boy navigates the streets of Alexandria, he is painfully aware of the societal pressures surrounding him and the dangerous fate of Christians in his world. The narrative sets the tone with vivid descriptions of the oppressive heat and the challenges Heraklas faces as he learns of the violence directed against Christians, underscoring the significance of his brother’s faith amid their pagan upbringing. Through moments of introspection and desperate prayer, Heraklas is shown to be deeply affected by his brother's convictions, setting up the emotional stakes and the themes of familial bonds and spiritual struggle that will unfold throughout the story.
Anatole France
Thaïs
"Thaïs" by Anatole France is a novel published in 1890. An ascetic hermit named Paphnuce travels from the Egyptian desert to Alexandria seeking Thaïs, a beautiful courtesan he once knew. He succeeds in converting her to Christianity, but as she retreats to a convent to repent, he becomes haunted by her former life and beauty. Their spiritual journeys take unexpected turns, leading to a profound reversal of faith and desire that questions the nature of salvation itself.
F. E. (Fanny Emily) Penny
The Outcaste
"The Outcaste" by F. E. Penny is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. The storyline unfolds within the Native State of Chirakul, focusing on the lives of Ananda and his friends, who are grappling with cultural conflicts and personal dilemmas against the backdrop of British colonial India. The novel delves into themes of caste, religion, and identity as Ananda navigates his conversion to Christianity and the consequences of this decision. The opening of the novel introduces a group of characters at an aviation event, where a tragic accident involving an aviator sets a somber tone. Ananda, a Hindu convert to Christianity, struggles with the implications of his faith amidst the intertwined fates of his caste-bound friends, Bopaul and Coomara. Their conversations reveal the tensions and challenges they face, particularly regarding the doctrines of their traditions and the evolving nature of their beliefs. The narrative establishes a psychological landscape where Ananda's conversion leads him toward a profound conflict with his identity and family, provoking introspection about the costs of change in a rigidly structured society.
Anatole France
Thais
"Thais" by Anatole France is a novel published in 1890. Based on the life of a legendary 4th-century saint, it tells the story of Paphnuce, an ascetic hermit who travels to Alexandria to convert Thais, a beautiful libertine he once knew. He succeeds in bringing her to Christianity, but their spiritual journey takes an unexpected turn as he becomes haunted by her former life while she finds faith. A tale of devotion, temptation, and the blurred lines between salvation and desire.
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