The Field Is White

Light & Truth #1

by Darryl W. Harris Sr.

Light and Truth is a historical novel based on a true story. It chronicles the greatest missionary event in the modern history of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints - how Wilford Woodruff converted all six hundred members of the United Brethren congregation in England within just a few months. To give the novel human interest appeal, the missionary event is mingled with two love stories - how our main characters meet, fall in love, deal with their parents and their religious biases, marry, and subsequently align themselves with the United Brethren. That decision placed them in a unique religious group that truly sought additional light and truth.

527 pages, Hardcover

First published June 1, 2004

About the author

Darryl W. Harris Sr., born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio officially began his working career shortly after high school by joining the United States Airforce as a dental assistant/dental x-ray tech. After completing his commitment he returned to the private sector pursing a career in the music industry and serving as a promoter and road manager for several national recording artists. For the past 26 years Mr. Harris has enjoyed a career in the hotel industry while serving as the National Diversity Sales Manager for the Peabody Little Rock Hotel and is presently the doorman for the Little Rock Marriott Hotel. A certified scuba diver, he also is the father of four boys with nine grandchildren to date.

Reviews

[Janell · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a historical novel based on a true story. In all fairness, I should mention up front that I'm not fond of this type of novel. The mixture of truth and fiction never works well for me.

This time the truth is the story of one of the greatest early missionary events of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints; that of the conversion of the 600 members of the United Brethren congregation in England by Elder Wilford Woodruff. This conversion story is well documented in Woodruff's journals.

The fiction involves the love stories and lives of the main characters and their conversion. Amidst this fictional story is a few scattered truths, particularly the existence of converts with their names, their baptisms into the Church and even the early opposition of one (again verified by Wilford Woodruff's journals). However, I had a hard time getting past the speculation into personalities, etc. Sometimes there were even footnotes pointing out the fiction! It left me very conflicted about the story itself. One minute I was involved in this incredible part of Church history and the next I needed to completely dismiss what I was reading as make-believe. Not a mix I enjoy. I was grateful, however, that during a few important events the author made an effort to note when truth and fiction took separate paths.

Although not a favorite for me, the historical part of the book was truly enjoyable. If you are a fan of LDS Church historical fiction, this might be a good choice.

On a side note: If we were giving cover ratings, this one would only get 1 star. I almost skipped the book over the cover alone!

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

Features stories of the beginning of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in England--especially the Kington/Benbow United Brethren group.

[Ila Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did not care for the author's style of writing. It was a worthwhile read in that it is based on true events and also true characters. I was able to visit Nauvoo while reading the book and it gave me greater insight to the characters and also was able to see some of the names of those characters on monuments, etc., while there. I learned much about Wilford Woodruff and the book gave me a greater understanding of some of the persecutions that these pioneers experienced in joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. It also brought to mind just how much sacrifice it took for the early missionaries to spread the gospel. Not for the style of writing but for the content of the novel, I gave it 4 stars.

[Allison Dunlap · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I wouldn't consider this the best piece of historical fiction from a literary standpoint, I very much enjoyed reading of the missionary miracles of my great-great-great grandfather Wilford Woodruff and his mission to England in 1840. The United Brethren was an organized group of people who recognized the apostacy of the Anglican and Catholic churches, knew the Methodist and Quaker churches weren't the solution either, and were just waiting and prepared to recognize and accept the true gospel of Christ when it was preached to them by one of his Apostles. I wish I had inherited his gifts to preach the gospel to the convincing of men and women but I try in my mostly ineffective way to share what I know to be true with others. I look forward to meeting him someday!

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fictional book based on the story of true characters, which happen to be my direct ancestors. (My great, great grandparents) I was, therefore, very interested in it's content, but found the writing to be not as compelling as I would have liked.

[Idamae Wallace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical fiction. This book was not a disapointment to me. I loved the characters and the story, however I really loved the history of Christianity that he added to the book. I learned so much. I loved this book and I am excited to read the rest of the series!

[Tammie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book a long time ago, but along with a few others on this page I am related to the Harris'. My grandfather is the grandson of Robert Harris. I felt the books were similar to the Work and Glory but I had a bigger interest because it was family! Great Read!!!

[Nancy Beard · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good Historical Book,that takes place in the early 1800's I felt like I was living right there with the Eagles, Harris and Browett Families.

[Nanci]

this story is about robert and hannah harris who are my great great great grandparents. pretty cool