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The Lilies of the Field #1
The Lilies of the Field
One of the most beloved of modern classics returns with a beautiful new cover. The enchanting story of two unlikely friends, a black ex-GI and the head of a group of German nuns, The Lilies of the Field tells the story of their impossible dream—to build a chapel in the desert.
127 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
About the author
William Edmund Barrett
39 books26 followersWillam Edmund Barrett was born in New York City in 1900. He was Roman Catholic which is reflected strongly in his works. On February 15, 1925 he was married to Christine M. Rollman.
He attended Manhattan College. In 1941 he became an aeronautics consultant for the Denver Public Library.
He was a member of PEN and the Authors League of America, and also the National Press Club of Washington, D.C. He was president of the Colorado Authors League from 1943–1944.
Three of his novels were the basis for film productions: The Left Hand of God, Lilies of the Field, and Pieces of Dream which was based on The Wine and the Music.
He attended Manhattan College. In 1941 he became an aeronautics consultant for the Denver Public Library.
He was a member of PEN and the Authors League of America, and also the National Press Club of Washington, D.C. He was president of the Colorado Authors League from 1943–1944.
Three of his novels were the basis for film productions: The Left Hand of God, Lilies of the Field, and Pieces of Dream which was based on The Wine and the Music.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 336 reviews
August 15, 2012
The beautiful, deeply moving story of a group of German nuns struggling in earthly goods (but bountiful in Faith) in a small southwestern town and the strong, young African-American man named Homer Smith who happens upon them one day during his travels. Homer loves being a wanderer, free, not tied down to anyone or any job--he has made the back of his station wagon into a bed, takes odd jobs here and there, and travels the country enjoying life. Yet something about the nuns makes him stay. It's not enough to just fix their roof, he soon finds himself wanting to help brighten their lives, sharing his cans of soup and peaches with them (for they have only the meager bread, milk and eggs from their few livestock) and helping to teach them English so they don't have to use the silly old phonograph recording with its useless instructions for how to ask for a valet. But when the Reverend Mother asks him to build them a chapel, both his independent spirit and his Baptist faith give him pause. Should a Baptist build a Catholic church? Does the Reverend Mother, always calling him “Schmidt” and never saying “thank you”, feel a sense of ownership of him? He doesn't feel that the nun is racist, but he does think she believes God sent him to them and that he belongs there. Yet, there is something so kind and welcoming and wonderful about the nuns, and Homer also feels compelled to help them.
Those of you who have seen the wonderful film starring the gorgeous and soulful Sydney Poiter already know Homer’s decision. If you haven’t seen the film yet—do! it doesn’t follow the film exactly, it is also well worth your time.
I absolutely loved Homer Smith’s character, his warmth, his introspection, his kindness and generosity. Written in the early 1960s, Homer’s awareness of his race and how others view him is especially poignant. And the issues of faith, of what it means to honor ones religion, of what it means to love thy neighbor, are still so vital today. As the Reverend Mother said of Homer, “He was not of our faith, nor of our skin, but he was a man of greatness, of an utter devotion.”
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a read that will affirm your faith—be it in humanity or in God (or both).
Those of you who have seen the wonderful film starring the gorgeous and soulful Sydney Poiter already know Homer’s decision. If you haven’t seen the film yet—do! it doesn’t follow the film exactly, it is also well worth your time.
I absolutely loved Homer Smith’s character, his warmth, his introspection, his kindness and generosity. Written in the early 1960s, Homer’s awareness of his race and how others view him is especially poignant. And the issues of faith, of what it means to honor ones religion, of what it means to love thy neighbor, are still so vital today. As the Reverend Mother said of Homer, “He was not of our faith, nor of our skin, but he was a man of greatness, of an utter devotion.”
Highly recommended to anyone looking for a read that will affirm your faith—be it in humanity or in God (or both).
January 25, 2023
A perfect little gem of a book that tells the story of Homer Smith, a black man who stops overnight in a little western town to help 5 German nuns fix a roof, then ends up building a Chapel for them. With nothing but his own two hands, Mother Maria Marthe, and her faith that he would get it done.
May 10, 2017
This was actually a really neat story. The main character is a black man who was brought up as a Southern Baptist, and who doesn't like to have a "boss" over him (he likes to be free to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants). He's driving along just doing whatever and stops to meet some German Catholic nuns who are working really hard outdoors building a fence, and decides to chip in by helping them repair some roof shingles. Immediately there is a language barrier because the nuns are learning English and so there's not a lot of talking going on between the nuns and this man.
The "Mother" of the nuns is an interesting character too. She doesn't "praise" this man for his hard work and actually expects him to continue working day after day until her main dream in life is to have a chapel built where the last one was burned down. So, this man feels led to help these nuns and yet he doesn't understand why. He feels a sense of liberation in helping them but at the same time, his human nature wants something in return for his hard work: money. He does not get paid in money for his hard work. If anything, he becomes more generous and gives more of himself to the nuns and their mission, fulfilling a higher spiritual purpose.
All said and done, this story is about human nature versus faith and prayer and the greater good of being led to do something more of what life calls for you to do. Sometimes life (or God) guides people to fulfill a higher calling than what you've set out to do in the first place. This often brings great joy in our lives and it has nothing to do with monetary gain.
The "Mother" of the nuns is an interesting character too. She doesn't "praise" this man for his hard work and actually expects him to continue working day after day until her main dream in life is to have a chapel built where the last one was burned down. So, this man feels led to help these nuns and yet he doesn't understand why. He feels a sense of liberation in helping them but at the same time, his human nature wants something in return for his hard work: money. He does not get paid in money for his hard work. If anything, he becomes more generous and gives more of himself to the nuns and their mission, fulfilling a higher spiritual purpose.
All said and done, this story is about human nature versus faith and prayer and the greater good of being led to do something more of what life calls for you to do. Sometimes life (or God) guides people to fulfill a higher calling than what you've set out to do in the first place. This often brings great joy in our lives and it has nothing to do with monetary gain.
March 16, 2018
Re-read, March 2018:
Behold the lilies of the field, how they toil not, neither do they spin.
And yet I say unto you. That not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like one of these.
*curls up in a ball on the floor and screams silently* MY EMOTIONSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Original review:
This was one of my favorite books as a teen . . . I'd forgotten just how much I loved it until just now, when somebody mentioned the movie. Guys, you all need to read this if you haven't already. Right now. It's just beautiful.
It's also really short--you can finish it in an afternoon. But it's powerful stuff. Brilliant story, brilliant author.
And boy, oh boy, do I love these characters and their story. I love Homer, and I love Sister Albertine, and I love Mother Maria Marthe . . . I JUST LOVE THEM ALL, OKAY?? I want SO BADLY for them all to be happy, to achieve their goals, to get what they want . . . I won't tell you if they do, though. You need to read the book yourself to find out.
Behold the lilies of the field, how they toil not, neither do they spin.
And yet I say unto you. That not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed like one of these.
*curls up in a ball on the floor and screams silently* MY EMOTIONSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
Original review:
This was one of my favorite books as a teen . . . I'd forgotten just how much I loved it until just now, when somebody mentioned the movie. Guys, you all need to read this if you haven't already. Right now. It's just beautiful.
It's also really short--you can finish it in an afternoon. But it's powerful stuff. Brilliant story, brilliant author.
And boy, oh boy, do I love these characters and their story. I love Homer, and I love Sister Albertine, and I love Mother Maria Marthe . . . I JUST LOVE THEM ALL, OKAY?? I want SO BADLY for them all to be happy, to achieve their goals, to get what they want . . . I won't tell you if they do, though. You need to read the book yourself to find out.
January 13, 2016
I have one of the first editions of this book. The pages are turning brown and it won't withstand much handling but that's to be expected because it's coming up on fifty years old.
The Lilies of the Field is a deceptively simple story about a group of determined German nuns who truly believe in the Gospel message, 'Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?' (Matthew 6:28-30)
Perhaps it's their faith or it could be their wiles, but whichever, God does seem to provide for their every need under the most seemingly impossible circumstances. More people are familiar with the movie of the same name, starring Sidney Poiter, which doesn't exactly follow the book but has a certain charm all its own. These German 'Lilies' definitely toil and spin but they also have the faith of little children. Who knows what charmed the heart of the Almighty into sending this stranger to them to beguile into doing so much more than he intended.
Both the book and the movie are incredible and worth five stars each.
The Lilies of the Field is a deceptively simple story about a group of determined German nuns who truly believe in the Gospel message, 'Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is here today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?' (Matthew 6:28-30)
Perhaps it's their faith or it could be their wiles, but whichever, God does seem to provide for their every need under the most seemingly impossible circumstances. More people are familiar with the movie of the same name, starring Sidney Poiter, which doesn't exactly follow the book but has a certain charm all its own. These German 'Lilies' definitely toil and spin but they also have the faith of little children. Who knows what charmed the heart of the Almighty into sending this stranger to them to beguile into doing so much more than he intended.
Both the book and the movie are incredible and worth five stars each.
October 22, 2020
How can five nuns from Germany with very little English make a young black ex-GI from the Army, Homer Smith, a legend? This is a classic tale of unknown love and faith at first glance on the side of Homer Smith. It is a classic tale of love and faith at first glance on the side of Mother Superior Marie Martha.
Homer saw women working in an area of cultivated land and building a fence. He thought they may need some help. He could earn a few dollars. Instead he built a chapel. No one had ever put so much faith and trust in him. He felt like a man. Continue to read as Homer Smith, alas Schmidt, forge a bond into the Catholic church unknowingly.
Quotes:
One of the privileges of freedom was that a man slept until he felt like rising, with no bugles blowing.
"Faith. It is a word for what is unreasonable. If a man believes in an unreasonable thing, it is faith."
"Those Spanish have a way with beans, he said. "Make them taste like food."
Homer saw women working in an area of cultivated land and building a fence. He thought they may need some help. He could earn a few dollars. Instead he built a chapel. No one had ever put so much faith and trust in him. He felt like a man. Continue to read as Homer Smith, alas Schmidt, forge a bond into the Catholic church unknowingly.
Quotes:
One of the privileges of freedom was that a man slept until he felt like rising, with no bugles blowing.
"Faith. It is a word for what is unreasonable. If a man believes in an unreasonable thing, it is faith."
"Those Spanish have a way with beans, he said. "Make them taste like food."
January 20, 2023
An idyll. This could be a folktale were it a little less elaborate. Thematically it addresses how pure freedom is really hard for humans to accept, how we are always seeking something to be bound by, to belong to, to pursue. The use of a black protagonist in this regard, and having that protagonist comment on this point elliptically, drives home this idea in the book. Also the story blends faith in oneself with faith in a higher power. There are places in this brief and eloquent book that verged on moving. The simple, direct portrait of what is good and transcendent in human beings despite differences of culture edifies. The only shortcoming was how toward the end the “whiteness” of Barrett’s age shows through. As he sums up, he patronizes. The book was a real jewel until that. Apparently even the most humane and well-intentioned of artists can be blind to the biases of their age. I don’t judge Barrett too harshly on that, though, since there is so much heart and affection here.
March 25, 2023
I watched the movie with Sidney Poitier when I was a teenager.....read it for the second time. A lovely story!
February 6, 2023
Pair the book with the movie and you have a 5 star experience. Simple but moving story.
May 12, 2020
Excellent!
February 1, 2023
I absolutely LOVED this little book! Read it and be edified, and get your heart warmed. That is all.
May 2, 2018
I went into this book with high expectations since I already adore the movie of it. And I wasn't disappointed! There were some slight book to movie differences but overall I think the movie did an amazing job of adapting this to the screen. (I think the movie is still my favorite way to enjoy this story, but that doesn't lessen my love for the book!)
Reading the book was like getting a deeper peek into an already well-loved story, with beautiful phrases scattered here and there that really struck a chord with me. I'm planning on going through the book to write down some of my favorite quotes.
Homer was just as amazing in this as he was in the movie, but I feel as if I appreciated his character even more here. The book sheds light on some of his thoughts and feelings and where he came from and where he hopes to go and he's just a really awesome character; I love him muchly. :)
Definitely recommend this read!! (Thanks to Katie Hanna for the recommendation. ;))
Reading the book was like getting a deeper peek into an already well-loved story, with beautiful phrases scattered here and there that really struck a chord with me. I'm planning on going through the book to write down some of my favorite quotes.
Homer was just as amazing in this as he was in the movie, but I feel as if I appreciated his character even more here. The book sheds light on some of his thoughts and feelings and where he came from and where he hopes to go and he's just a really awesome character; I love him muchly. :)
Definitely recommend this read!! (Thanks to Katie Hanna for the recommendation. ;))
May 14, 2023
Lillies of the Field by William E. Barrett is a truly simple story with a powerfully wonderful message of faith and hope. It warms the soul and at times makes you laugh at the interactions between the Homer Smith and Mother Superior. Neither can speak very well with each other because of language differences—she speaks German, and little English, while he knows only English—but some conversations transcends speech, religion, and race. There was no way of reading this—it took me less than two hours—without seeing Sidney Poitier as Homer as in the movie. I haven’t seen the movie version yet, but I will, and soon! Pure joy to read! Highly recommended!
September 30, 2013
I picked up this little book at a library sale. It is an old paperback and the pages are brown with age. Now that I finished the book, it seems fitting that it was read by someone else before me. Lilies of the Field is a simple story of faith and providence. Homer Smith is a drifter who stumbles upon a group of German nuns working in a field. He offers himself as a day laborer and ends up staying until all their prayers are answered. I found myself reaffirmed that with the power of prayer, personal perseverance and hard work, there will always be enough "bricks"...some of the bricks will not be perfect, but they will be what you need. This is one of those books I see myself re-reading, perhaps when there does not seem to be enough "bricks".
March 30, 2018
When he looked up after the "Amen" they were all looking at him happily. Nobody said anything but they were glad that he was home. A man felt a thing like that.
Awwwwwwwww.
A certain someone sent me this as a present, like the wonderful person she is. ;D Thanks, fren!
It was very atmospheric, with a writing style that's economical in general but doesn't skimp on description when necessary: I especially appreciated the parts where Homer was sitting out by himself under the dark prairie sky and listening to the sounds of the night. (Plus, Homer himself was pretty awesome. I took a shine to him as soon as the narrator said, "There was laughter in him." <3)
Awwwwwwwww.
A certain someone sent me this as a present, like the wonderful person she is. ;D Thanks, fren!
It was very atmospheric, with a writing style that's economical in general but doesn't skimp on description when necessary: I especially appreciated the parts where Homer was sitting out by himself under the dark prairie sky and listening to the sounds of the night. (Plus, Homer himself was pretty awesome. I took a shine to him as soon as the narrator said, "There was laughter in him." <3)
August 30, 2018
3.5 stars
A simple, gentle story easily read in an hour or two.
A simple, gentle story easily read in an hour or two.
June 29, 2022
a cute little read :)
July 30, 2010
Sweet, uplifting tale about an African American ex-GI who is traveling across country in his station wagon with a bed in the back enjoying his youth and freedom. He comes across a group of nuns, and a battle of wills begins--a battle between him in his desire to be free and a staunch German nun who feels that he is sent from God to build them a new chapel (and that therefore he, naturally, belongs to them for God's purposes).
This short novel is surprisingly deep and says alot about faith and virtue. I definetely cried at the sweetly satisfying ending. Would recommend for young adults--it's squeaky clean without being annoyingly so.
See Matthew 6:28-30
This short novel is surprisingly deep and says alot about faith and virtue. I definetely cried at the sweetly satisfying ending. Would recommend for young adults--it's squeaky clean without being annoyingly so.
See Matthew 6:28-30
July 7, 2014
Charming novella about the power of faith. Some poor German nuns want to build a chapel on land given to them. They have no money. This wandering African-American man comes by and builds it for them, in ways that have more to do with faith than with reason.
Tender and touching. Providence is a great miracle.
Mathew 6:28 " Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin"
Tender and touching. Providence is a great miracle.
Mathew 6:28 " Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin"
May 24, 2023
I had a vague recollection of seeing the film adaptation of this book, so when I saw it sitting there on the shelf at the used book store, I just had to grab it. I am glad I did. It was sweet, heart-warming, sometimes sad and mostly amusing. Homer was a wonderful man. I really loved and respected that he stuck with it. He made a promise and he saw it through. I definitely felt teary at the end. It is an awfully short story and I am glad I took time from my longer book to read it.
May 8, 2018
Read for school and enjoyed it!
May 25, 2021
Though I hadn't heard of it before, I came across the small book in the classics section at my library. Based on the fact that obviously someone felt it deserved classic status, I took it home to read.
The Lilies of the Field is about a man named Homer Smith, a former GI, who now lives a nomadic lifestyle working odd jobs, enjoying the freedom of the road, and sleeping in his station wagon. However, all of this changes when he meets a group of German nuns. They give Homer a few jobs, and strike up an odd sort of friendship with him. Homer soon discovers, however, that the nuns have plans for him. They want to build a chapel - they prayed for a way to do this, and Homer showed up. Naturally, he will build them their chapel. Homer resists at first, but somehow the nuns convince him. As the chapel grows, Homer gains a sense of pride in his work. The building of the chapel is revered by the town as a miracle.
This book isn't exactly my type of reading. It's the type of storyline that I am highly unlikely to ever enjoy. I get the idea that this is the sort of book that would be assigned as religious literature in Catholic high school and included in church libraries. And so, due to my predisposed and entirely expected disliking for this book, I feel obliged to highlight some good points first.
For the most part, the writing of this book was pretty. It was simple and spare. Everything was stated in a factual and frank sort of way. I can see how some readers may find it charming, or even beautiful.
I also liked the nuns, especially Mother Maria Marthe, the leader of the band of sisters. Like the rest of the nuns, she speaks barely any English, so her character is left to be filled in by mostly tones of voice and facial expressions - which she carries in spades. She was a commanding, prickly, bossy old woman who was endearing in how stuffy she was. The scene where she tells Homer certain Bible verses to look up, in an effort to speak to him, was funny, and actually quite a creative idea on her part. I found it comical that she steers him toward the verses about about "not storing up earthly treasures" when he asks for payment early on in the story.
So now that I have come up with some things I liked about the book... I have to say that I couldn't possibly think of any other good points.
The character of Homer was extremely irritating, in my opinion. He was not all that bright, and his feelings were often muted by the story. Rather than have much of a character at all, he seems a mouthpiece for the story itself. The author obviously expects that the reader has a similar mindset to his main character: reluctant in the beginning, and inspired by the end.
I was not inspired to do anything at the end of this book except rejoice that it was over.
Something about this book that bothered me was the way that the nuns manipulated Homer.
When he does some small jobs for them in the beginning (mending fences and such), they practically refuse to pay him. Yes, they are poor, but shouldn't they have made it clear to Homer that he was working for free beforehand? Perhaps their English wasn't good enough for that, but after the matter of payment was made clear by Homer, shouldn't they have shown some regret, or apologies? The author doesn't seem to think it a very big deal, but it was practically stealing.
Homer also works tirelessly on the nun's chapel after this. He is their answer to prayer, and they can work him as hard as they like, for no pay.
I got this sense through-out the story, and it was not a comforting one.
In short, this was a book about religious institutions manipulating others to complete monumental tasks for them, with no payment, and then making them feel better about it by declaring this a miracle.
The Lilies of the Field is about a man named Homer Smith, a former GI, who now lives a nomadic lifestyle working odd jobs, enjoying the freedom of the road, and sleeping in his station wagon. However, all of this changes when he meets a group of German nuns. They give Homer a few jobs, and strike up an odd sort of friendship with him. Homer soon discovers, however, that the nuns have plans for him. They want to build a chapel - they prayed for a way to do this, and Homer showed up. Naturally, he will build them their chapel. Homer resists at first, but somehow the nuns convince him. As the chapel grows, Homer gains a sense of pride in his work. The building of the chapel is revered by the town as a miracle.
This book isn't exactly my type of reading. It's the type of storyline that I am highly unlikely to ever enjoy. I get the idea that this is the sort of book that would be assigned as religious literature in Catholic high school and included in church libraries. And so, due to my predisposed and entirely expected disliking for this book, I feel obliged to highlight some good points first.
For the most part, the writing of this book was pretty. It was simple and spare. Everything was stated in a factual and frank sort of way. I can see how some readers may find it charming, or even beautiful.
I also liked the nuns, especially Mother Maria Marthe, the leader of the band of sisters. Like the rest of the nuns, she speaks barely any English, so her character is left to be filled in by mostly tones of voice and facial expressions - which she carries in spades. She was a commanding, prickly, bossy old woman who was endearing in how stuffy she was. The scene where she tells Homer certain Bible verses to look up, in an effort to speak to him, was funny, and actually quite a creative idea on her part. I found it comical that she steers him toward the verses about about "not storing up earthly treasures" when he asks for payment early on in the story.
So now that I have come up with some things I liked about the book... I have to say that I couldn't possibly think of any other good points.
The character of Homer was extremely irritating, in my opinion. He was not all that bright, and his feelings were often muted by the story. Rather than have much of a character at all, he seems a mouthpiece for the story itself. The author obviously expects that the reader has a similar mindset to his main character: reluctant in the beginning, and inspired by the end.
I was not inspired to do anything at the end of this book except rejoice that it was over.
Something about this book that bothered me was the way that the nuns manipulated Homer.
When he does some small jobs for them in the beginning (mending fences and such), they practically refuse to pay him. Yes, they are poor, but shouldn't they have made it clear to Homer that he was working for free beforehand? Perhaps their English wasn't good enough for that, but after the matter of payment was made clear by Homer, shouldn't they have shown some regret, or apologies? The author doesn't seem to think it a very big deal, but it was practically stealing.
Homer also works tirelessly on the nun's chapel after this. He is their answer to prayer, and they can work him as hard as they like, for no pay.
I got this sense through-out the story, and it was not a comforting one.
In short, this was a book about religious institutions manipulating others to complete monumental tasks for them, with no payment, and then making them feel better about it by declaring this a miracle.
May 7, 2023
"If you learn English from me," he said apologetically, "you're sure enough going to get yourselves segregated some places." They looked at him uncomprehendingly and he let the subject drop. That was something that he could not explain even to himself.
This tiny volume had been calling out to me from the shelves for weeks now, and I'm glad I heeded its call. It's interesting what a random purchase from a used bookstore will gain you. In this instance it supplied me with a beautiful, very short, story of faith, devotion, persistence, sacrifice, friendship, and the lasting effect we have on the people we collide with on our day to day journey through life.
It's the story of a young black man, Homer Smith, an ex-GI, and his encounter with a group of German speaking nuns in the country, building a chapel. For its slim size, and simple content, Lilies of the Field was touching and profound.
Homer ate contentedly. That was an interesting idea. He liked interesting ideas. Faith was what old Mother had. She believed that he would come back. She believed that he could build a church all by himself, maybe even without bricks. That wasn't a reasonable idea. He hadn't ever built anything all by himself. He was free, building that church, just as free as he was in the city, even more so. There wasn't anybody else to build it. He didn't need any wages. He had a full life. He had many things. He was free like the lilies of the field. It was a strange thing. As this Spanish man said, it wasn't reasonable.
This tiny volume had been calling out to me from the shelves for weeks now, and I'm glad I heeded its call. It's interesting what a random purchase from a used bookstore will gain you. In this instance it supplied me with a beautiful, very short, story of faith, devotion, persistence, sacrifice, friendship, and the lasting effect we have on the people we collide with on our day to day journey through life.
It's the story of a young black man, Homer Smith, an ex-GI, and his encounter with a group of German speaking nuns in the country, building a chapel. For its slim size, and simple content, Lilies of the Field was touching and profound.
Homer ate contentedly. That was an interesting idea. He liked interesting ideas. Faith was what old Mother had. She believed that he would come back. She believed that he could build a church all by himself, maybe even without bricks. That wasn't a reasonable idea. He hadn't ever built anything all by himself. He was free, building that church, just as free as he was in the city, even more so. There wasn't anybody else to build it. He didn't need any wages. He had a full life. He had many things. He was free like the lilies of the field. It was a strange thing. As this Spanish man said, it wasn't reasonable.
September 24, 2010
Short, simple (or maybe not so simple) story of faith, love, and service. The nuns were endearing (Mother Maria Marthe and Sister Albertine, the artist, especially). Homer Smith (Schmidt), of course, was a very interesting character. His motivations for building a chapel for the nuns are worthy of thought and discussion. All of the other donations of time and labor for the nuns were fascinating too. Why did people do it? Are there parallels in my life?
Other parts I want to remember include phonograph English lessons, latin hymns, spanish music, and negro spirituals, Baptists, Methodists and Catholics, finding answers in the scriptures Luke 10:7, Proverbs 1:14, Matthew 6:28-29, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU091Y...), Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QuTAe...), Ezekiel saw the Wheel (ezekiel saw the wheel), Dry Bones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVoPG9...), Water Boy, John Henry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64GHrP...) and of course, Adios, Mariquita Linda http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbW8Cq..., the memories. A few weeks after reading the book, I watched the move with Sidney Poitier starring. Great movie!!! It was definitely worth my time to watch it this afternoon. It is an Academy Award-winning performance by Poirtier and nominated for our additional Oscars including Best Picture.
Other parts I want to remember include phonograph English lessons, latin hymns, spanish music, and negro spirituals, Baptists, Methodists and Catholics, finding answers in the scriptures Luke 10:7, Proverbs 1:14, Matthew 6:28-29, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yU091Y...), Didn't My Lord Deliver Daniel (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QuTAe...), Ezekiel saw the Wheel (ezekiel saw the wheel), Dry Bones (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVoPG9...), Water Boy, John Henry http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=64GHrP...) and of course, Adios, Mariquita Linda http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbW8Cq..., the memories. A few weeks after reading the book, I watched the move with Sidney Poitier starring. Great movie!!! It was definitely worth my time to watch it this afternoon. It is an Academy Award-winning performance by Poirtier and nominated for our additional Oscars including Best Picture.
July 25, 2015
A well written & beautifully worded story. The New York Times review expresses my thoughts on the book: "A contemporary fable... what joins these unlike forces in a plausible miracle is the vein of basic goodness that Mr. Barrett sees in all men."
Definitely an uplifting story with characters that make you smile. Now I'm ready to watch Sidney Poitier's portrayal of Homer "Schmidt" Smith.
Definitely an uplifting story with characters that make you smile. Now I'm ready to watch Sidney Poitier's portrayal of Homer "Schmidt" Smith.
May 15, 2009
I really enjoyed this. It was very short but didn't feel rushed at all; in fact, the pacing was very nice for the type of book it is. It did a marvelous job of letting you figure out the meanings for yourself and gave the reader a nice feeling. I would recommend it to others and might even read it to my kids when they're older.
April 16, 2012
I rarely see the movie before I read the book, but I never pass up an opportunity to see Sidney Poitier. And in this case it didn't matter. Both the book and the film are excellent. Both are full of grace and beautifully done.
Wonderfully titled. I always appreciate that.
Wonderfully titled. I always appreciate that.
March 23, 2021
This is a very sweet and simple story about faith and trust in God and prayer. I would recommend it.
February 4, 2022
just wonderful🤗😇
a nice, sweet, short read. and the movie is good too. it just makes me sad that he leaves forever in the end.🥺😔
a nice, sweet, short read. and the movie is good too. it just makes me sad that he leaves forever in the end.🥺😔
July 12, 2024
I'm not sure if I love it for its simplicity, WEB's occasional understated insights, or if I love it because Poitier's Homer Smith does more with silence than I've seen any actor do since I discovered the film 3 ish years ago. The book stopped just short of something, I'm not sure what, but I found myself a bit underwhelmed with the end.
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