For years, I’ve heard Louis de Wohl praised in Catholic circles as a leading author of historical fiction for adults. His body of work—particularly his novels about saints—is known for blending rich historical detail with faithful representations of their lives. De Wohl’s stories elevate hagiography to an art form, making the saints accessible and relatable. While I’ve enjoyed his saint biographies for children, published by Vision Books (now reprinted by Ignatius Press), I only recently ventured into his novels for adults.
Two years ago, I read The Spear, and it was a masterpiece. The story is centered on Cassius Longinus, the Roman centurion whose spear pierced the side of the crucified Christ. It’s a book I’m eager to revisit with my Tuesday Night Classics Club this Lent. After sharing my enthusiasm for The Spear with friends, they urged me to read The Glorious Folly, the unofficial continuation of Cassius’s story. Though it took me some time to get through, I’m delighted to say it was well worth the slow read.
Where The Spear introduces us to the world of Christ’s Passion and Resurrection, The Glorious Folly draws us into the early days of the Christian church. Cassius and his wife are now part of a small Christian community, and de Wohl masterfully immerses us in the world of St. Paul and the apostles. Through vivid and detailed storytelling, we witness pivotal moments in Christian history: the trial of St. Stephen, Saul’s zealous persecution of the faithful, his miraculous conversion, and his transformation into Paul, a pillar of the early church. De Wohl’s narrative takes us into the halls of Roman power, where we meet Herod, Agrippa, Nero, and other figures whose political machinations shape the backdrop of the story.
As with all of de Wohl’s works, The Glorious Folly is distinctly outlined in historical and biblical facts while colored in by the drama and pageantry of excellent biblical historical fiction. Fans of The Chosen television series will likely find this novel a compelling and fitting companion to the show. De Wohl captures the vibrancy and tension of the early church, showing how it grew, changed, and ultimately transformed the world.
In terms of content, I would note that The Glorious Folly is suitable for a wide audience. Unlike The Spear, which includes some marital issues, this novel’s inclusion of, or reference to, immorality is limited to historical realities, such as the Romans’ well-known infidelity.
For readers looking to deepen their understanding of the early church while enjoying an engaging and dramatic narrative, The Glorious Folly is an excellent choice. De Wohl’s ability to bring historical events and biblical characters to life is truly unparalleled. This is a book I will recommend wholeheartedly and return to often.