It is the first work written by the saint from Ávila and perhaps the most spontaneous and lively of all. In its pages, one can clearly perceive the strength of her character, her sincerity, and the intensity of her spiritual experience. The work was initially drafted in 1562 in a first version that is now lost, and later rewritten in 1565, based on that original text. This redrafting process explains the direct and personal tone of the book, which seeks not so much literary refinement as the authentic expression of an inner life marked by the search for God.

The book constitutes a true autobiography, both in its external and internal dimensions. Teresa recounts episodes of her daily life, her entry into the convent, her personal struggles, and the historical circumstances surrounding her spiritual journey; at the same time, she opens to the reader the deeper realm of her soul. In these pages, she describes her mystical experiences, her difficulties in prayer, and the way God guided her life. Frequently, the narrative transforms into a prayer directly addressed to God, making the work not only a personal testimony but also a true school of prayer.

Teresa of Jesus (1515–1582) was born in the city of Ávila into a well-off family. She entered the Carmelite convent of the Incarnation at a young age, where she underwent a long process of inner conversion. Driven by a profound desire for spiritual renewal, she undertook the reform of the Carmelite Order and founded numerous convents characterized by a life of greater austerity and seclusion. Her strong personality, deep prayer life, and leadership abilities made her one of the most influential figures in Christian spirituality. She was canonized in 1622 and, centuries later, proclaimed a Doctor of the Church by Pope Paul VI in 1970.

P.C. (Italy)