Hey everyone! I’m back with my book review of the book I read for September, Fields of Glory by Gilbert Morris. Next month, I will be reading and reviewing it’s sequel, so keep an eye out for that!
The Synopsis (Taken from Goodreads)
Two families–the Wakefields of nobility and the lower-class Morgans–are the focus of this sweeping generational saga, joined by intriguing personalities such as Elizabeth I, William Tyndale, and John Bunyan. Linking the people and events through the ages is the struggle of men and women who sought God as the answer to their difficulties. #4: “The Fields of Glory”
Evan, Amos, and Jenny form a triangle of romance and adventure that takes them to the limits of their faith. With the help of an outspoken minister named John Bunyan they are drawn closer to God.
Content Review:
Positive Messages: I feel like having steadfast faith in God is the overarching theme to this novel. John Bunyan, the main historical character in this novel, proves this as he trusts in God from trial to trial, including the loss of his first wife and his lengthily imprisonment for doing nothing but preaching.
Evan Morgan, the main fictional character, starts out as a wild young man who is kicked out of his hometown because of his troublemaking. His godly, elderly father sends him to his cousin’s home, hoping they will have some good influence over him. Along the way, Evan picks up an orphan girl, Jenny Clairmont, showing his kindly heart despite his troublemaking. His cousins do have a good influence over him, however it’s not until he experiences a near death experience that he truly comes to seek the Lord, and becomes a minister with Bunyan, also being imprisoned. He struggles with his faith, but in the end, his steadfast faith in God is proven to win out.
There are also several positive messages about family and elders. All the characters respect those older than them, and treat them with honor. A woman truly loves her husband, despite him being much much older than her. Two step-children love their step-mother like their own, and they often go to her for counsel. A man’s adult children still treat him with respect and honor despite being full-grown. A young lady is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in, and another young lady does not give into the sexual advances of others, including the king, remaining pure.
Rating: 4/5
Spiritual Content: As this is a historical fiction focusing on church history, it’s kinda obvious there is a LOT of spiritual content. It focuses majorly on Bunyan and his spiritual journey to Christ and his life as a preacher. It also focuses on the spiritual journey of Evan Morgan, coming to Christ and following Him. Other characters who are already saved attempt to help others and encourage them in the Lord. The godly characters are shown in a very positive light.
People are encouraged to find and follow the Lord’s will. A woman comes to a man with a “word from the Lord”. There are several excerpts from John Bunyan’s work and some poems, which can be a little cumbersome to read, however, it is easy to skim them as they don’t add much to the story.
Rating: 4.5/5
Romantic Content: The book focuses on two romantic subplots, one between two side characters, and one being the main triangle between Evan, Jenny, and Amos. All of this romance is handled well, with only kisses and hugs being exchanged, though sometimes before marriage.
One character becomes an actress, a career, which, in that day, consisted of little more than prostitutes. Though not described, the plays are said to be immoral, which makes the above character uneasy playing in them. Though again not shown, it’s said that she gets hit on a lot and sometimes nearly gives into the temptation. One of her friends becomes a mistress to the king. The king asks her to become his mistress, which she refuses.
Rating: 3.5/5
Violent Content: There are a few sea battles, but nothing too descriptive. One character in such a battle is shot protecting a friend. Blood stains the deck and some characters are said to have been injured or killed. A fire traps a woman, almost killing her. The plague attacks a major city and makes a character very ill. Two boys get into a fistfight. Someone slams a chair over someone’s head. Someone plays a prank on someone that results in them twisting their ankle.
Rating: 4.5/5
Language: There’s not any bad language in this book to report!
Rating: 5/5
Other Negative Content: A young lady enters the field of acting, well knowing the sexual dangers involved in it, and against the advice of all who love her. She then determines never to go back to being a servant, liking the privileges of that life better. Another young lady shows off, resulting in someone getting injured. Characters kiss before being married, sometimes to people they don’t even marry. A girl leads a young man on.
Rating: 3/5 stars
Total Content Rating: 4.1/5 Stars
Personal Review:
As someone who’s read a few of Morris’ House of Winslow series, this book was actually very interesting. While similar in some ways, it also felt different, which was nice! I really enjoyed the storyline, and even the romance was pretty good! It was a bit predicable at times, and sometimes I got annoyed at the “everyone loves this one girl” trope but it wasn’t that bad. The historical knowledge too was very intriguing, and it was interesting to see where Mr. Morris used creative license to flesh out the life John Bunyan could have possibly had while still sticking to historical details.
In all, I would give this book four and a fourth stars, and would recommend it to historical fiction readers, those interested in church history, and romantic historical readers.
Personal Rating: 4.25/5 Stars.
Thanks for reading my review! Have you read this book? Do you plan to read it? Let me know in the comments below! God bless! ~ Kay Leigh
Kay Adelin 
One thought on “September Read: Fields of Glory”