The lilies of the field

by William E. Barrett

1995

Publication

Grand Central Pub., c1962

Library's rating

Status

Available

Description

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 heart of the Arizona desert.

User reviews

LibraryThing member Schmerguls

5582. the lilies of the field, by William E. Barrett (read 17 Sep 2018) This 1962 novel is only 92 pages but is a sweet story which I found strangely poignant. It tells of a black man who after service in he Army is roaming the country and somehow comes upon a group of five Geman sisters who are

running a farm and hoping to establish a home for wayward boys in a community mostly populated by Spanish speaking people. The sisters somehow get him to build a simple church for them. The story I suppose is improbable but is simply told and moving and one has a good feeling at the end of the story, even though the church builder resumes his wandering. I know I saw the movie, starring Sidney Poitior, I suppose 50 years ago but I had forgotten the story line but reading the book brought it back to me.

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LibraryThing member Nikkles

This is a really fantastic book. It is touching and moral without being preachy or abstract. Its an easy read, but with beautiful language. The story will pull you in, making this a classic that deserves the classification.

LibraryThing member seoulful

A black ex-GI in the course of his wanderings comes upon a small group of nuns in the Southwest desert and helps them build a chapel. A marvel of characterization and dialogue. A book that can be read many times with fresh enjoyment.

LibraryThing member puttsplace

A black ex-GI in the course of his wanderings comes upon a small group of nuns in the Southwest desert and helps them build a chapel.The nuns are working on a fence, looking for work, and he is the answer to their prayers.

LibraryThing member Prop2gether

Oh my, it appears my fellow reviewers have never seen the film version of this "tale of the heart." Ralph Nelson directed Sidney Poiter in an award-winning portrayal of Homer Smith, an ex-military itinerant construction worker, who finds himself building a chapel for some German nuns in the desert.

It is an extremely simply story of faith and determination, and the film complements the book in many ways.

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LibraryThing member Sandydog1

A short, simple tale, very reminiscent of Steinbeck. A heart-warmer.

LibraryThing member Scarchin

I hadn't read this book in many many years. I enjoyed it even more this time. I love how this book deals gracefully with the issues of freedom, religion, race, and basic human decency. A very short book, it can be enjoyed in one extended sitting.

LibraryThing member fuzzi

This is a quick but pleasant read, of faith, and humor, of people, and of determination. Not a religious book, not a Christian book, this is about us, about people, and what we do to help others, not necessarily with gain in mind. Recommended.

LibraryThing member DrLed

Synopsis: Homer Smith is just out of the military and he has decided to drive through the West. He's not seen the area before and is interested in learning about the region. One day he spots a group of women working in a field. He stops to offer help and gets embroiled in helping the nuns build a

church.
Review: This is an uplifting story about helping others adapt to a new country and to helping others.

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LibraryThing member TerriS

Just a short, simple book about a man who stops to help some German nuns, in the American southwest (maybe in the 1950's or 60's?) and stays to build a chapel for them. They feel that God has sent him to do this. He disagrees. He says he's not here to stay, he's a Baptist, and he has no idea how to

do this by himself and has no materials -- yet he does it! He just keeps feeling compelled to stay and do a little more, he enjoys getting to know the nuns and helping them learn English. He becomes a legend, after he leaves, as the man who Mother Maria Marthe has prayed for to build their church. It is a very inspirational story. I enjoyed it a lot! Sidney Poitier plays the main character in the 1963 movie. I can see that he would do a very good job portraying this man.

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LibraryThing member amyghilton

Short and sweet, but such a powerful story.

LibraryThing member fingerpost

Homer Smith is a black man in the early 1960s, living a nomadic life out of his station wagon, working when he finds work, and then moving on. Traveling the Southwest, he encounters five German nuns, who have moved to America, and plan to build a chapel and a home for wayward boys. The Mother

superior among the nuns immediately announces that God has sent "Schmidt" to build their chapel. Homer is deeply offended by the Mother's assumption that he will just do whatever she wants, and without pay even. But he is simultaneously moved and fascinated by the nun's unquestioning faith in both God, and himself. And so he does set out to single-handedly build their chapel.
A beautiful, short tale about faith in God and man, doing the right thing, and learning from the people around you.
As good as this little book is, I found it one of those rare instances when a movie version was even better than the book.

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LibraryThing member MarthaJeanne

I love the movie with Sidney Poitier, and of course it was running through my head all the time I was reading this book. But Barrett's Homer Smith is not the one played by Sidney Portier. I think I like Barrett's better. And the book ending is very satisfying. I won't stop watching the movie, but

the book is a real treasure.

If the final words had not already been in CK I would have added them.

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