bread of angels, The
Book Description
In 2004, a young American woman embarks on a transformative journey to Damascus, Syria, carrying both academic ambitions and a wounded heart. Stephanie Saldaña arrives on a Fulbright fellowship to explore how Islam views the prophet Jesus, but she discovers her quest becomes far more personal than scholarly.
Against the backdrop of regional turmoil following the Iraq invasion, Saldaña finds herself navigating not only the complexities of interfaith dialogue but also her own spiritual crisis. Feeling isolated and questioning her faith, she seeks refuge at an ancient Christian monastery carved into the desert cliffs, where the stark beauty of the landscape mirrors her inner searching.
Within these sacred walls, she encounters Frédéric, a young French man preparing for monastic life. As they delve together into the profound connections between Christianity and Islam, Saldaña experiences an unexpected awakening. Her exploration of religious traditions becomes intertwined with a deepening romance, creating a tension between earthly love and divine calling.
This memoir weaves together themes of spiritual discovery, cross-cultural understanding, and the courage to follow one's heart across religious and cultural boundaries. Saldaña's year in Syria becomes a pilgrimage of faith, love, and self-discovery, set against the rich tapestry of Middle Eastern spirituality and the timeless question of how we choose between different forms of devotion.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~9 hours)
📄 Length: 309 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Asia, biography
- ✓ Explore Young women
- ✓ Strengthen your faith journey
- ✓ Explore Relations
- ✓ Explore Christian biography
- ✓ Explore Christianity and other religions, islam
- ✓ Explore Americans
- ✓ Explore Christian women