As the eldest son of a wealthy textile merchant, Francis lived as a privileged and often reckless youth. He yearned to become a Knight and win his father's approval. So why did he give up everything to embrace extreme poverty? Why did the Pope believe that Francis could save the Catholic Church? And why did his friendship with the Muslim Sultan, al-Kamil, convey such an important message that is still so relevant today? "Wendy displays a vivid imagination while fleshing out the familiar stories in the life of the popular saint, taking on the added challenge of writing in the first person to convey the thoughts and feelings of Francis as the events of his life transpired." (Brother Paul, Order of Friars Minor Conventual, Manchester).