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lilyenglish8's review against another edition
It was actually really interesting, but I only read what I had to for class.
nwrosey96's review against another edition
3.0
A really good translation by Ruden of a very dry narrative.
emilyversteeg's review against another edition
4.0
I’m going to be honest: I skipped large portions of the end. Not because I thought it was bad, but because I was reading The Confessions for a specific purpose: to read some of Augustine’s theology before dipping into his more difficult works. One day I’m sure I’ll want to read his meditations on memory and time, and his allegorical interpretations of the days of creation. But, as Aragorn says, it is not this day.
lutherancoffeehour's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
karatedrummer's review against another edition
4.0
I think this one is going to be more of a grower for me than some of the others I've read lately, particularly the three books which delve into specific spiritual beliefs and theories. The first ten are more about Augustine's journey towards Christianity, and the writing is clearly at its best when it is at its most personalized. Certainly an essential text for anyone interested in the Christian faith.
tomofthegwn's review against another edition
5.0
There is a reason that this work is still read. St. Augustine tells us the very human story of his life and conversion. The language he uses is so beautiful.
mockojean's review against another edition
4.0
"But the seventh day is without an evening and has no setting sun; you made it holy so that it could remain steadfast for all time. You made it after other very good works. You made them all, of course, when you were at rest, so this expression in your book, that you rested on the seventh day, is meant to fortell us to that after our works, which are very good in that you granted them to us, we, too, will rest to you on the Sabbath of eternal life."
catherineofalx's review against another edition
5.0
the concept of me "reviewing" this, one of the most remarkable books in human history, is completely absurd
arenaudyouknow's review against another edition
4.0
I love the way Augustine prays through scripture. Very stream of consciousness in style, filled with emotion and vulnerability. I may keep this on my nightstand to read through a few passages again for a while.
There were many long passages that were a bit tedious or rambling, but I can’t blame Augustine for that. This book almost has the sense of reading someone’s diary- some incoherence and wordiness is to be expected. It was a privilege to watch (well, read) him work through his life and struggles with such honesty. I felt myself wishing he had written a more concise autobiography and then a separate book of theology/prayer/praises, but realized to him, those things are probably inseparable.
I couldn’t decide how I felt about the modern translation, it did make it easier to read but felt a bit too casual or inauthentic at times. And the translators foot notes seemed very unnecessary or defensive at times, though I know she probably had a hard job in translating such a classic work.
There were many long passages that were a bit tedious or rambling, but I can’t blame Augustine for that. This book almost has the sense of reading someone’s diary- some incoherence and wordiness is to be expected. It was a privilege to watch (well, read) him work through his life and struggles with such honesty. I felt myself wishing he had written a more concise autobiography and then a separate book of theology/prayer/praises, but realized to him, those things are probably inseparable.
I couldn’t decide how I felt about the modern translation, it did make it easier to read but felt a bit too casual or inauthentic at times. And the translators foot notes seemed very unnecessary or defensive at times, though I know she probably had a hard job in translating such a classic work.
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