Thy Son Liveth: Messages from a World War I Soldier to His Mother from the Afterlife

by Grace Duffie Boylan, Gary E. Schwartz (Introduction)

A message of comfort for grieving readers, this remarkable story recounts a mother's supernatural contact with a son who perished on a Flanders battlefield during World War I. Its simple message, as expressed in one of the soldier's communications, is that "There is no death. Life goes on without hindrance or handicap. The one thing that troubles the men who come here is the fact that the ones that loved them are in agony."
Originally published anonymously, this incredibly moving and insightful book served as the basis for the 2000 movie A Rumor of Angels, starring Vanessa Redgrave. This edition features a new Introduction by Gary E. Schwartz, Ph.D.

64 pages, Paperback

First published February 21, 2008

Reviews

[Lesle · Rating 5 out of 5]

In 1918 authored and published as anonymously Thy Son Liveth is a book told about a Soldier who after he was killed on a battlefield in France while fighting in World War I, how he was able to help his mother with her grief.

Before he left he had promised her that she would be able to "Hear from your little Robbie". At first she was getting letters from Somewhere in France. He complimented her on making him a man. One message contained this quote "Try to realize that thought is the one thing that is absolutely unlimited." (Im still thinking on that one) He writes as if they are writing a book together. Telling her to "Quote that" "edit the copy" "don't hold your pencil any differently" or "but no literary frills".

He was sending her comforting messages through the use of Morse Code. During these messages he was able to assure her though his body was gone his soul was still able to convey as if he was very much alive. The story is about loss and grief. The conversations are between a Mother and Son. The Son giving faith and comfort as he receives it from the Savior. "There is no death. Life goes on without hindrance or handicap. The one thing that troubles the men who come here is the fact that the ones that loved them, are in agony."

There is comfort and the fingering of their belongings. There is a fact that is left behind...we are all in agony and we all understand this kind of loss. I wept for my own loss. The spirit is unbelieveably full of hope.

[Jeanne Lambrianou · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow I hope this is true!

I was much moved by the ideas given here. That we really don't die, that we can be of comfort to living and "dead", that we can see God about His work. I am willing to take up the experiment (who would it hurt?) of listening for my Mom and other family and friends. What a great comfort this has already been to me - just the thought of it.

[Marsha Gulick · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you believe in the afterlife, this book will confirm your ideas. Even if it is from a setting of war fought a hundred years ago, it rings true.

[Wendy Jensen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Actually I liked the movie better, called A Rumor of Angels. Usually I don't say this, but I found that the movie explored the themes of connections which survive death. In a very lovely manner. Perhaps I was spoiled by the movie, and expected more development of relationship between living people, but it was more an exploration of the possibility (or in the author's opinion, the truth) of life after death.

[Larry Caplin · Rating 5 out of 5]

A mother's love.

Is there such a thing as death? Who knows. Perhaps this good woman, connected even after his passing with her cherished boy. Is it all true? I dunno, but if it's not it should be. What I do know is that their story brought me peace and joy. And that is a gift beyond measure.

[Jane Pepin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this tiny book up at a local book sale- one of many. Despite its apparent age and insignificant size, I found I couldn’t put it down. So I bought it.
This small book made a big impact on me. I have not stopped thinking about it. I truly believe this is one of those “unexplained phenomenas” and totally legit.
I highly recommend this quick & thought provoking book!

[Cecile Russo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Movie Named “Rumor of Angels” is based on this book.

Have the CD of the Movie “Rumor of Angels”. Watched this Many times and it is one of my Favorites. Didn’t know that the movie is base on this book. Enjoyed the book very much.

[C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this e-book on Barnes & Noble instead:
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/thy-...
(The Amazon link went to a blank page with a picture of a dog.)

[Aubrey Braddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, quick read.

[Eleanor K Elmore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book

[Michelle Akers-dicken · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended for anyone who has EVER lost someone they love. Originally published in 1918, this little book of letters from a WWI fallen soldier to his grieving mother was meant to be a gift to any mother who found themselves experiencing the horror of a sudden death of their child. "We don't die", is the continuous message, played over and over from Bob to his "pal" (mother). Actually, the message was so much more than restating the law of physics. It was chilling from start to finish! Goosebump chilling. In the very beginning of the book, Mrs. Duffie Boylan explains that Bob and she had more of a friendship because she allowed him to teach her how to use the telegram machine (or wireless). It was a language that she didn't learn easily but she stuck with it because it meant so much to her son. Many years later, she made the connection.... every little thing we do helps to progress some kind of greater plan. In this case, the "creator" knew that she would need these skills in order to communicate with her son beyond the grave. The communication that they shared even served a larger plan and that was to help others through their grief. Bob explained more than a few times that every time someone here on earth grieves or sheds a tear over their loved one, it hurts the deceased in a way that couldn't be described. The pain that our deceased loves feel hinder their work on the other side. And speaking of the "other side"... there are many, many "other sides"! Bob had only experienced one of these worlds. In the time period that this book covers, Bob told his mother that he didn't witness a "hell" as we've been taught exists. He admitted several times that he was still learning and hadn't experienced every wonderful or bad thing that these worlds had to offer. He hoped that he'd be able to keep communicating with her as he "progressed". He wanted her to understand so that she could tell others. And he wanted her to make the book so affordable that everyone who needed this kind of comfort could read it (basically, sell it at cost). Greed or vanity had nothing to do with Grace Duffie Boylan's reasons to publish such a personal journey. In fact, she was terrified of the ridicule she may suffer from some of her peers so she published "Anonymously" at first.

A hundred years later and the message is still helping people like me come to terms with the hole that's left when a loved one "crosses the line" (dies). I'm so thankful she had the courage to honor her son's wishes and fulfill one of their purposes.

*This is one of those reviews that was so hard to write! How do I put into words how much a tiny little pocket book moved me? Maybe I shouldn't have tried but on the other hand... if it moved ME like this, it'll do the same for so many other people. Don't judge by my less than adequate review, just get the book and let it speak for itself!

[Janet Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

For All Who.Grieve

I read this book after I watched the movie, Rumors of Angels, from which the movie was derived. I was very curious about the way the idea was developed in the movie and there was mention of the name of the book in the credits of the movie. I liked the movie very much but the book makes understanding the motivation of the movie even better. The book was anonymously written during the first World War from messages sent to his mother from her son who was killed in that war. These messages were sent to his mother after his death to let her know there is no "death" but only transition from our body to a spiritual form and that there is no fear in death, but only joy.. There is confirmation of the afterlife and the Bible is mentioned in the soldier's messages. It is up to each reader to take the message revealed by the author and take what comfort and belief as they will. Also, don't misreading the Introduction as it will help you gain some insight into the book's content. I hope you find the book helpful. I would recommend the movie made in 2000 as well.

[patia · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely beautiful book

I read this book after watching the movie Rumor of Angels. The movie references this book and is based on the theme of this book. I loved the movie and loved this book even more.
This is a true story about a mother that teaches her young son to signal using signal lights. He loves this fun method of communication, like a secret code. He becomes a man and goes to war and is a signal-man (of course!). He is killed in battle and communicates that to his mother right after the fact. He instructs her to write a book with the messages of hope to ease the pain of other families that have lost loved ones. He tells of what it's like for him on earth now that he has passed. God is at work and he is part of it. So are all that have passed.
This is a quick read and it's central message is clear. Our loved ones are not gone. They are here and we don't need hocus pocus to speak to them.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is no death

I have always believed in the afterlife, thought I could not say exactly what it is. I just always KNEW that the spirit that animates us is eternal.
This book offers comfort to those who grieve. While many would call this whole notion of after death communication hooey, physics is proving how little we truly know about how our vast universe works. I’d rather be open to the possibility of talking to those I love who have crossed through the veil than believe death is the end.
My intuition tells me such communication is possible for all of us.

[Barry Shaw]

A short book, easy read... much of what was logged by the mother, supposedly from her son who transitioned in the War, resonated with me. The son appeared to waver between a belief in Christianity and Agnosticism. But for the price and information, I enjoyed the book.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads. Very interesting and thought provoking little book. It would have better served it's purpose by showing both sides of the conversations.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book from a goodreads win. My review will come soon!

[Michelle Carrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read if nothing else. Not sure if I believe that these messages are real, but a good story none the less.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew it!!

Looking forward to that jump out of the schoolhouse door!
I believe!
Thanks to the publisher's for keeping this writing intact!