The Light: Tales from a Revolution
Robert Harris, a blacksmith living in a town facing takeover by the British and Hessian troops because of the growing revolt in the British American colonies, is also a Quaker. He is cast out of his church because his equivocal attitude toward the revolution directly opposes their total non-violence beliefs. A couple of friends in a similar position and a few members remain friendly. The main villain, Rufus, a staunch supporter of the Crown is using his position to constantly raise the prices of iron that Robert and his friends require to fabricate the tools and other ‘non-violent’ items they produce. Robert and his friends devise a method to circumvent Rufus, and the story revolves around the activity, the occupation of the town and attendant fallout. This is another look at this chaotic revolutionary period but from a different direction – that of a person espousing non-violence, yet facing extenuating circumstances seemingly requiring them. It is an interesting approach and one that readers who enjoy philosophical ruminations will enjoy.
