Mother Teresa

10 Facts About the Saint of the Gutters (Behind the Name: A Zentara UK Famous Lives Book Series)

De: Jasmine Dyggan

Narrado por: Michelle Marie

She wore a simple sari and lived among the poorest of the poor, yet her name became known in every corner of the globe. Mother Teresa: 10 Facts About the Saint of the Gutters is a powerful and accessible portrait of one of the most iconic figures of the 20th century — a woman whose life defied borders, politics, and even the expectations of faith.

Born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, far from the slums of Kolkata with which she would later become synonymous, Mother Teresa’s early years were shaped by personal tragedy and a fierce devotion to service. This book begins by uncovering her lesser-known Albanian roots, highlighting a childhood defined by both deep faith and sudden loss — and how those early experiences paved the way for a lifetime of sacrifice.

Through ten carefully chosen chapters, Jasmine Dyggan takes listeners on an emotional and illuminating journey through Mother Teresa’s life. From her dramatic spiritual transformation — the “call within a call” that led her to leave her teaching post and walk alone into the slums — to her founding of the Missionaries of Charity in 1950, each fact serves as a gateway to understanding the deeper currents of her legacy.

We follow her not only into homes for the dying, orphanages, and leprosy clinics, but also into the complex corridors of public scrutiny and private doubt. Awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1979, she became a global symbol of compassion, even as she wrestled with an enduring spiritual darkness that remained hidden from the public during her lifetime. Her letters — posthumously published in Come Be My Light — reveal a woman who gave everything, including her certainty.

But Mother Teresa’s life was not without controversy. Critics challenged her austere methods, the conditions in some of her facilities, and her choices of political allies. Dyggan does not shy away from these complexities.

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Compassion in Its Purest Form

Mother Teresa’s story here reminds us what true service looks like. Jasmine Dyggan’s writing is clear, compassionate, and deeply researched. Each chapter teaches not only about her life but about empathy, courage, and humility in the face of suffering.

Excellent Blend of Fact and Emotion

The 10 Facts format works surprisingly well. Each fact feels like a window into a different part of her life from personal losses to global influence. Well-organized and deeply emotional.

Accessible Yet Profound

The author has written a book that’s easy to understand yet filled with deep reflections. You don’t need religious background knowledge to appreciate the story it’s universal in its message of love and service.

Illuminating and Thought-Provoking

The book captures both the light and shadow in Mother Teresa’s journey. I learned things I never knew about her Albanian upbringing and her long spiritual darkness. It’s rare to find such honesty in biographical writing.

A Heartfelt Tribute to the Saint of the Gutter

This book reminded me that true greatness often comes from humility. The author’s writing is tender and respectful, highlighting Mother Teresa’s unwavering love for humanity.

Honest, Balanced, and Inspirational

I appreciated that this book didn’t shy away from discussing both the praise and criticism surrounding Mother Teresa. It’s a refreshing balance of admiration and realism, helping readers understand her devotion and imperfections. A must-read for anyone seeking truth behind the legend.

A Candle in the Darkness

The exploration of Mother Teresa’s “spiritual darkness” adds immense depth to her story. It shows that even saints have doubts. This made her faith and perseverance even more admirable to me.

Inspiring and Heartfelt Biography

Reading about Mother Teresa’s tireless dedication renewed my sense of compassion. Her courage to walk alone into the slums after hearing her “call within a call” was profoundly inspiring. This book captures that courage perfectly.

Honest Look at a Complex Saint

I loved how this book addressed both Mother Teresa’s virtues and her flaws. It paints her as a real person strong, devoted, but also struggling. That honesty made her story even more touching.

Beyond the Halo The Real Teresa

So many biographies over-glorify her, but this one humanizes her. It explores her doubts, her compassion, and her daily hardships. It made me see her not just as a saint, but as a woman of extraordinary faith.