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Exiled: The Story of John Lathrop
by
Helene Holt
Joseph Smith's ancestors were carefully chosen to be the forebears of the Prophet of God. Such a man was John Lathrop, a minister in the King's church, who, at the peril of his life, fought for religious freedom. This is the astounding biographical account of Lathrop's struggle and his ultimate exile to America. Winner of the National Freedom's Foundation Award
Paperback, 308 pages
Published
January 28th 2002
by Maasai
(first published November 1st 1987)
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I can't remember who recommended this book to me a long time ago. The writing was not terrific but I did love reading about this era of religious reformation.
"These were the formidable men and women of conscience, Puritans, who, in the words of Samuel E. Morison, 'hewed liberty, democracy, humanitarianism, and universal education out of the black forest of feudal Europe and the American wilderness.' pp.225
"Whether or not we acknowledge the Puritans as forerunners of the Declaration of Independen...more
"These were the formidable men and women of conscience, Puritans, who, in the words of Samuel E. Morison, 'hewed liberty, democracy, humanitarianism, and universal education out of the black forest of feudal Europe and the American wilderness.' pp.225
"Whether or not we acknowledge the Puritans as forerunners of the Declaration of Independen...more
A well-written, "Novelized Biography" based on research and historical records regarding Reverend John Lathrop (Lothropp) and those close to him. He was a minister within the Church of England who became a leader in the Independent Church movement. Lathrop believed men should have freedom to worship according to their conscience. Though he and his family were persecuted for their beliefs, they persisted and suffered many privations including John Lathrop's imprisonment and torture for over two y...more
This is not a cheery book but one that gives us a good insight into the lives of early reformers in England. John Lothrop was a Separatist which means he was different from Puritans who just wanted to reform the church. He wanted to just have the right to start his own church after his own conscience. It was a time of great unrest in England in part due to religious persecution by the Archbishop of Canterbury and King Charles I. Eventually they were both beheaded and England went into a Commonwe...more
This is a biography written like a novel - there were times that I forgot I was reading a true story. The story is regarding John Lathrop, a religious "independent" during 1600's England where the Church of England ruled. It was heart breaking the cruelty he and others faced as they tried to worship their God in their own way. By the time John finally left England for America he had lost much. It saddens me to know of all the people who left their homes in search of religious freedom when I know...more
This book is about John Lathrop (1584-1653) who fought in England for what became the underpinnings of our First Amendment freedom of religion. This account really made me grateful for those who stood up for religious freedom, freedom of conscience, right to assemble, etc., phenomenal story, but certainly not the best writing (including several typos). Additional reading that was recommended by the author is Lathrop's biography--John Lathrop: Arrival in America and Family Tree (includes only pri...more
This was the perfect book to read before Thanksgiving. I knew about the pilgrims coming to America because of religious persecution, but after reading this book I feel like that knowledge has a new level of depth and understanding. The fictionalized biography by itself was unimpressive, but combined with the brief chronological list of events in the back and the list of famous people who are descendants of Lathrop, the entire book itself becomes an incredible resource. The author's brief descrip...more
Any book that makes me want to be a better person gets 5-stars for me, and this book did. It was amazing what sacrifices John Lathrop and other religious revolutionaries went through in the 16th and 17th centuries. Although I feel the story may have been overly dramatized since there seem to be few details of his suffering, it got the message across.
I remember Dr. Black talking about this guy in a church history. I found this book at DI. It was different than I expected. Rather than being written as a traditional biography, the author wrote in a narrative style. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone. It made me realize how important it really was to the Puritans who came to America to have freedom of worship.
My husband received this book as a gift from his mother in 2006, and I have intended to read it for a long time. It tells the story of religious reformer John Lathrop, one of my husband's ancestors. I was disappointed in the beginning to find that it was not a serious biography as I had believed, but a work of historical fiction. Holt does seem to make good use of sources, even quoting extensively from English court records. Still, the fact that she attributed very specific feelings to individua...more
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This may have not been the best written book, but the spirit of it is so strong, and the message so powerful, I think it is one everyone should read of our founding fathers. It reminds me of the powerful heritage of this country and of my own family in searching for truth and freedom.
An excellent fictionalized account of a real man and his struggles. He had no great desire to be a reformer, but could not deny his convictions. Many prominent names -- signers of the Declaration, US presidents, philanthropists and prophets -- number as his descendants.
Written in novel form, quite stirring, giving insight into the personal impact and influence on the lives of one man and his loved ones when following his conscience and personal revelation. Be sure to have a hanky and quiet-time to ponder.
Everyone should read this book! Though the writing itself has some flaws, the story is incredible. Its so easy to forget how those early colonists sacrificed so much for their faith and their freedom; I know I am guilty of taking it for granted.
This is a fantastic book about one of my ancestors who took a stand against the Church of England and was severely punished for his beliefs. I have read this book twice and loved it both times.
Good book. Lots of famous people descend from this man: U.S. presidents, Joseph Smith, and others. Gives detailed account of England during 1584-1653. Crazy period of time; no freedom at all.
By far the most inspiring and best read I have ever read. Can't say enough good about this book! It is actually a biography about one of my ancestors.
Very interesting true story of one man who was persecuted severly for his Christian beliefs in England. It was hard to read, but very inspiring.
A fantastic true story about what our religious forefathers went through before they came to America to find religious freedoms.
An incredible story of courage and hope! I love reading about my brave ancestors who fought for freedoms that I enjoy today.
I admire what the real life John Lathrop went through, however, this fictionalized version of the story was poorly written.
This book is a lot easier to read than American Jezebel was. First off, it is only about half the size and ends when he leaves England--so does not follow him to the States. It is appalling what people had to go through for freedom of religion. When you realize that they did it for us, it becomes almost miraculous. Enjoyable book.
Interesting to me because I love this period and because I'm related to John Lathrop. The writing is pretty bad, though. Blue Bookcase review: http://thebluebookcase.blogspot.com/2...
The religious revolution in England in the 1600's, this is a very interesting book, but sometimes difficult to follow.
Wonderful book! What trials some went through for religious freedom. A must read. Many famous ancestors.
Ah, the inhumanities to mankind that are done in the realm of religion--not much religious freedom in this story. A terrible price is paid by John Lathrop and his family to worship as they chose. At least Rev. Lathrop lived to continue preaching the gospel as he believed it to be true; whereas others gave their life for their beliefs. Ms. Holt highlighted some Great Britain royal families and their murderous efforts to curtail the Separatists' efforts. I am grateful for the martyrs who stood up...more
Jun 05, 2009
Jill Lister
added it
Loved this book.
I admit that I wasn't excited to read this book, but I was very pleasantly surprised. Although I'm sure a lot of the story is fictionalized, I really enjoyed reading it all the same. John Lothropp had such commitment to his convictions and faith. It makes me question my own beliefs and whether I'd be willing to suffer/stand up for them as he did. Truly inspiring! It would be great if the author wrote a sequel about his experiences in America, too.
Great story. Nice historical fiction. With the emphasis on the Fiction. I really did enjoy reading it. It is a well written story. I just wanted it to be something it was not. It did give some good background on Lathrop and his beliefs and his legal trials in Great Britain. I wanted more of that historical context and what happened to Lathrop after being exiled.
This book kept me interested and enlightened me as to what the persecution of the puritans was like in the 1600's.
I did keep wondering how much of the story was fact and how much was historical fiction. I think the author stuck as closely to facts as she could but I'm sure personal interactions had to be created.
I did keep wondering how much of the story was fact and how much was historical fiction. I think the author stuck as closely to facts as she could but I'm sure personal interactions had to be created.
Really made me think about and be grateful for the freedom of religion that we enjoy thanks to men like this! He's one of my great great great (?) grandfathers and the forefather of many others (maybe you too!). Not very long which is a plus for me right now (though now I'd like more info where it left off).
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