cover image A REVOLUTION OF LOVE: The Meaning of Mother Teresa

A REVOLUTION OF LOVE: The Meaning of Mother Teresa

David Scott, . . Loyola, $18.95 (168pp) ISBN 978-0-8294-2031-9

Few people knew the real Mother Teresa, argues Scott in this readable, delightful volume on the complexity of this contemporary saint. Scott succeeds at painting an original picture of Teresa of Calcutta based on her own sound bites as well as statements by people who knew or interviewed her. Scott's research allows for a surprising perspective; however, sometimes his opinions seem unfounded and could use more documentation. He dares to ask some bold questions: Was she completely sincere? Did she manipulate the media? Did her powerful presence in public life add to or subtract from her mission? In simple yet poetic prose, he ambitiously covers much ground, though at times his forays become digressions. For example, his comparisons of the saint to other figures like Gandhi, Augustine and Thérèse of Lisieux and his discussion of the process of canonization are absorbing, but need more pages to contribute properly to his portrait. Overall, however, he skillfully and seamlessly guides the reader through an impressive array of topics, such as Mother Teresa's decision to start the Missionaries of Charity, her approach to scripture and her relationship to politics and media. On the whole, Scott should be applauded for thinking outside the box and adding to the intrigue of an important modern religious figure. (Feb.)