The Diary of a Country Priest

By: Georges Bernanos

Narrated by: Kris Dyer

A beautiful spiritual masterpiece that shines a light on the true meaning of the divine in an uncontrollable world.

A young, shy, sickly priest is assigned to his first parish, a sleepy village in Northern France. Though his faith is devout, he finds nothing but indifference and mockery. The children laugh at his teachings, his parishioners are consumed by boredom, rumours are spread about him and he is tormented by stomach pains. Even his attempts to clarify his thoughts in a diary fail to deliver him from worldly concerns. Yet somehow, despite his suffering, he tries to find love for his fellow humans and even a state of grace.

The novel was awarded the Grand Prix for Literature by the Academie Francaise and was adapted into an acclaimed film by Robert Bresson in 1951.

Public Domain (P)2021 SNR Audio

Beautiful to behold and ponder

A beautiful illustration of the winsomeness of a guileless, earnest, childlike country priest whose insights, poverty of spirit and holy simplicity were refreshing and edifying and transformative to those who encountered him, including the reader/listener, in my case. Hope to read again to further absorb and ponder this story of a humble, ordinary-yet-extraordinary embodiment of the Spirit of Christ in the life of a parish priest.

deep rich beautiful story of true grace

an exquisite story of a simple. humble man of whom I long to be like! so many insights into human character, true love of man , even the lowkiest, melded with the pity and great love of Christ.

Captivating!

I enjoyed this audiobook. I found it very captivating. It was both sad and funny. Loved the narration.

my favorite novel

The only thing more beautiful than the writing is its revelation-- grace is still present, still at work amidst suffering, indifference, and sickness. which means there can still be conversion and joy.

A "Bucket List" Book to Read

“The Diary of a Country Priest” The story of a young, poor, sickly priest at his first parish assignment and the parish is very poor. The book describes all of the people and their respective personalities, desires, fears, and skeptical outlooks on life. The book/diary is frank in the description of the people described by the priest throughout his parish. The young priest never seems to lose his faith in being a priest or God during the course of experiencing the many dire encounters. Recommend putting on your bucket list and reading. The translation, writing, and narration are excellent. Experienced as an AUDIO book.