While in Darkness There is Light: Idealism and Tragedy on an Australian Commune

by Louella Bryant, Howard Dean (Introduction)

A look at the lives of five young men who, during the Vietnam era, start a commune in Australia—and a look at how young men often look to the wild to find themselves and the consequences this sometimes yields. The Rosebud Farm project was born of idealism, commitment, and virtue, all deeply rooted in friendships that have transcended distance and time. The men in this story, insulated by wealth and innocent of heart, were trying to make sense of a tumultuous world and trying to find some peace in it. One of these five young men was Charlie Dean, the brother of Howard Dean (who has written the introduction). Louella Bryant has won numerous awards for her short stories and poems. She is the author of two young-adult historical novels— The Black Bonnet , finalist for the Vermont Book Award, and Father By Blood , winner of the Silver Bay Children’s Literature Award—and a picture book, Two Tracks in the Snow . Louella teaches creative writing in the Spalding University MFA writing program in Louisville and mentors young writers at the New England Young Writers’ Conference at Bread Loaf.

180 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

About the author

Louella Bryant’s novel WILLIE, RUM RUNNING QUEEN launched in early 2025 with Black Rose Writing. Her 2023 novel SHELTERING ANGEL, BASED ON A TRUE STORY OF THE TITANIC, has been a #1 bestseller on Amazon Kindle. Hot Springs and Moonshine Liquor, a family memoir follows the historic trail of bootleg liquor since the Revolutionary War. Louella's WWII novel Cowboy Code is based on the true story of a Virginia mountain town. Other books include While In Darkness There Is Light, nonfiction about the Vietnam era, a story collection, and two Civil War novels for young adult readers. Her award-winning writing has appeared in magazines and anthologies. A graduate of George Washington University and Vermont College of Fine Arts, Louella works as an independent editor. Visit her website at https://louellabryant.com.

Reviews

[Diana Eberhardt · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sad ending to adventuring.
Most of the book was about where and how people met, made plans, changed plans, and lived communally. Neither a compelling story nor compelling writing.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very compelling story. I really appreciated how it weaved in history and the political climate as a way to examine the lives of these people. I felt like I got a sense of the generational shift during the Vietnam era in a way I'd never had before.

[John]

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[Margie L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked this book even though it was very painful to know how things ended on the commune. My sympathies go out to the families.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

On my MFA reading list. Quite compelling--redolent of Jon Krakauer's Into the Wild.

[Louella Bryant · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read about youthful idealism, its beauty and its tragedy. A cautionary tale for young adults and adults alike.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very compelling story that is beautifully written by a favorite Vermont author.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting book but not as well written as I would expect from Dzanc Books.