SALVATION(ISBN=9780375708831)

　　Inspired by the fresco cycles that depict the life of St. Francis of Assisi, acclaimed author Valerie Martin tells the life of Francesco di Pietro Bernardone in a series of vividly realized “panels” of moments both crucial and ordinary. Drawing from myriad sources and moving in reverse chronological order, she begins in the dark, final days, with a suffering Francesco on the verge of death, then shows us the unwashed and innocent revolutionary, unafraid to lecture a pope on Christ’s message. We see his mystical friendship with Chiara di Offreducci, a nobleman’s daughter who turns her back on the world to join him, and finally, the frivolous young Francesco on the deserted road where his encounter with a leper leads him to an ecstatic embrace of God. Salvation is at once an illuminating glimpse into the medieval world and an original and intimate portrait of the man whose legend has resonated through the centuries.

　　Valerie Martin is the author of six novels and two collections of short fiction, including Italian Fever and Mary Reilly, and a biography of St. Francis, Salvation. She resides in upstate New York.

Chronology
Introduction
On His Death
　Night in the Forest
　A Last Request
　Ella "s Joyful Message
　Ella Closes the Door
On His Illness
　A Convalescent
　A Visit to the Doctor
　Brother Body Wins the Day
On the Stigmata
　A Mountain Storm
　What Is an Eye
　Brother Leone Is Transported
On His Teaching
　Wild Men and an Emperor
　An Importunate Novice
　A Friar Damned
On His Simplicity
　Brother Fire Desires a Blanket
　Demons in a Tower
　A Snow Family
On His Travels to the Holy Land
　At the Harbor
　Going to Meet the Sultan
　A Meal in an Exotic Setting
On His Brotherhood
　A Fool and His Money
　An Interview
　A Convocation of Friars
　Innocent Calls the Faithful
　A Funeral Sparsely Attended
On the Poor Ladies
　An Escape by Torchlight
　A Sermon
　A Last Visit to the Poor Ladies
On His Youth and Conversion
　In Hiding, in Chains
　"4 Lesson from the Gospels
　A Penitent; in the Background,a Hermit
　A Rich Young Man on the Road
Notes
Sources