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Short Synopsis
The life and work of Dorothy Day—the iconic, celebrated, and controversial Catholic whom Pope Francis called a "great American"—told with illuminating detail by her granddaughter.

Full Synopsis
Dorothy Day (1897–1980) was a prominent Catholic, writer, social activist, and cofounder of a movement dedicated to serving the poorest of the poor. Her life has been revealed through her own writings as well as the work of historians, theologians, and academics. What has been missing until now is a more personal account from the point of view of someone who knew her well. Dorothy Day: The World Will Be Saved by Beauty is a frank and reflective, heartfelt and humorous portrayal as written by her granddaughter, Kate Hennessy.

Dorothy Day challenges ideas of plaster saints and of saintly women. Day is an unusual candidate for sainthood. Before her conversion, she lived what she called a "disorderly life," during which she had an abortion and then gave birth to a child out of wedlock. After her conversion, she was both an obedient servant and a rigorous challenger of the Church. She was a prolific writer whose books are still widely read. While tenderly rendered, this account will show her as driven to do good but dogmatic, loving but judgmental, in particular with regards to her only daughter, Tamar. She was also full of humor and laughter, and could light up any room she entered.

"A rare glimpse into the life of one of America’s most revered social activists. . . . Fascinating, well-told, candid, and tender." ---Kirkus Starred Review

"The youngest of Dorothy Day's nine grandchildren, Hennessy offers an unflinching portrait of the celebrated Catholic social activist and cofounder of the Catholic Workers Movement." ---Library Journal

"With a great granddaughters’ great love, compassionate understanding, and often painful truth, Dorothy Day, her family, and the history of the Catholic Worker movement are newly remembered for a new generation by a brilliant writer and family archivist. Frankly, it is a must-read.” ---Martin Sheen, actor and activist

"[Kate Hennessy] writes with absolute candor, immense tenderness, and the kind of artistry – much like her grandmother’s – that works small miracles without ever calling attention to itself." ---Carol Flinders, author of Enduring Grace
Kirkus Review

Dorothy Day: The World Will Be Saved By Beauty

An Intimate Portrait of My Grandmother

Author Kate Hennessy

Narrated by Randye Kaye

Publication date Jan 24, 2017

Running time 14 hrs

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