The Miracles of Antichrist is a novel by Selma Lagerlöf. I posted another book by her last week: Christ Legends. The Miracles of Antichrist was first published in Sweden in 1897 and two years later translated into English. The book is the third Selma Lagerlöf wrote. While most of Lagerlöfs writing takes place in her home county of Värmland, Sweden, this one takes place in Sicily. Lagerlöf visited Sicily, and the story goes that a local legend about a replaced statue of the Christ child inspired her to write The Miracles of Antichrist. Download the book here (400 pages):
The Miracles of Antichrist
About the book
“The Miracles of Antichrist” is set in Sicily, Italy, and its narrative is woven around the social and political issues of the time, particularly the burgeoning socialist movements and the societal conditions that fueled such ideologies. The story juxtaposes religious and moral themes with social commentary, examining the lives of peasants, the influence of the church, and the various forces seeking to inspire change in a traditional society.
The socialist reformer Salvatore
The plot centers around a socialist reformer, named Salvatore, who strives to improve the dire conditions of the local peasants. His impassioned pleas and seemingly miraculous healing powers earn him the adoration of the masses, leading some to regard him as a Christ-like figure. However, others become wary of his growing influence and begin to refer to him as the “Antichrist,” fearing that his revolutionary ideas threaten the established social and religious order.
A significant character in the story is a young girl named Donna Micaela, who finds herself torn between her aristocratic background and her sympathy for the plight of the impoverished workers. Her internal conflict symbolizes the broader struggle within society between maintaining traditional structures and embracing new social paradigms.
Throughout the novel, Lagerlöf delves into complex themes such as faith, revolution, the nature of miracles, and the human capacity for both good and evil. She challenges her characters—and by extension, her readers—to consider the true meaning of salvation and the societal implications of blind faith versus social action. The book’s nuanced exploration of these themes offers a timeless reflection on how individual beliefs and societal forces can intersect and impact the course of communities and history.