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Prime Video: Mystic India - An Incredible Journey of Inspiration

Prime Video: Mystic India - An Incredible Journey of Inspiration



Mystic India - An Incredible Journey of Inspiration
7.5
45min
2005

Home to the oldest civilization, India is our world's largest democracy. 
For millenia, many have left their homes and set off across this spiritual land in search of its secrets, to share the meaning of life that would elevate the rest of humanity. 
Of all such journeys, none is greater than the true story of an 11-year-old child yogi, Neelkanth, who left his home on a journey of awakening.

DirectorsKeith Melton

===

Mystic India

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Mystic India
Mystic India poster.jpg
Mystic India poster
Directed byKeith Melton
Written byMose Richards
Produced byBAPS Charities
StarringLatesh Patel
Rupak Mehta
Narrated byPeter O'Toole
CinematographyReed Smoot
Edited byAKS Media Network
Music bySam Cardon, Pandit Ronu Majumdar
Distributed byGiant Screen Films
Release date
  • 2004
Running time
40 min.
CountryIndia
LanguagesHindi
English

Mystic India is a 2004 large format film (commonly known as the IMAX format) about India's culture, people, and traditions. It is told through the 12,000 km barefoot journey throughout 18th century India undertaken by the Hindu adolescent ascetic Nilkanth, later known in life as Swaminarayan by his followers. The film was directed by Keith Melton and financed and produced by BAPS Charities. The film is available in Hindi, English, French and Spanish.

Cast[edit]

  • Latesh Patel as young Nilkanth. At His youngest, this is when He sets out on His journey, and during his early experiences during the journey.
  • Rupak Mehta as older Nilkanth. Portrayed to represent Him as he gets older during his 7-year journey, as it comes to an end.
  • Peter O'Toole as the narrator for the English version of the film, describing and elaborating with each scene that passes.
  • Total Cast: Mystic India incorporated 45,000 cast members. The scene of arti being performed at the Akshardham alone had 9,000 cast members in it, while the scene of the Rath Yatra had 8,000 cast members.[1]

Plot[edit]

Nilkanth’s Journey[edit]

Nilkanth walked 12,000 kilometers around the Indian subcontinent over a span of 7 years. His journey took him through the "dense jungles, fertile plains, majestic mountains, mighty rivers, and peaceful coastlines" of India.[2] This journey included the exploration of “India’s silent spirituality” and its appropriation as a "mystic land of meditation, contemplation and enlightenment."[2]

Leaving Home[edit]

On June 29, 1792 at the age of 11, Nilkanth left home "to begin his life work of establishing ekantik dharma."[3] Nilkanth took very few possessions with him on his journey. Known articles include a loin cloth, "a rosary, a kerchief, a piece of cloth for filtering water and a small manuscript."[4]

In the Himalayas[edit]

Nilkanth first travelled to the Himalayan Mountains and reached Badrinath during October 1792.[5] Soon thereafter, he reached Nepal and performed austerities by standing on one leg in meditation for four months.[5]

At Jagannath Puri[edit]

"Leaving the Himalayas, Nilkanth went through Bengal to Jagannathpuri in the east."[6] It is here that Nilkanth took part in the Rath Yatra, a festival dedicated to the pulling of Lord Jagannath’s murti on a royal chariot.[2]

In South India[edit]

From Jagannath Puri, Nilkanth traveled to South India. "He visited the sacred places associated with the life of Ramanuja, including his birthplace at Sriperumbudur and the famous pilgrimage temple at Srirangam. Nilkanth’s journey through Kanchipuram, Kumbakonam, Madurai, and Rameshwaram took him to the southern tip of India."[6]

In Gujarat[edit]

On July 21, 1799, Nilkanth’s journey finally ended in the town of Loj, Gujarat. In Loj at the age of 18, Nilkanth met Muktanand Swami, a senior leader of a group of ascetics who followed the Vaishnava teachings of their guru Ramanand Swami.[5]

Soundtrack[edit]

The music for the film was a joint effort between Sam Cardon, Ronu Majumdar, and BAPS musicians. Due to this diverse talent pool, the music for Mystic India covers a wide spectrum, ranging from western symphony to Indian traditional music.[1]

Production[edit]

The film was shot during two different time periods, March to May 2003 and January to February 2004.[1] The shooting was done at over 100 different locations, some as high as 13,000 feet. The most cinematically appealing scene is during the Rath Yatra festival in Jagannathpuri. The shot included chariots over five stories tall and over 8,000 participants.[1]

Reception[edit]

Critical reception[edit]

According to movie review website Rotten Tomatoes, Mystic India received an overall critic approval rating of 86%. Top critic Roger Moore of the Orlando Sentinel said that the film "utterly fills the screen with wondrous images of a place that few will ever have the chance to explore".[7] Top critic Philip Wuntch of the Dallas Morning News said "the film celebrates India’s diversity and makes a strong and moving plea for unity among the peoples of the world".[7]

Awards[edit]

Mystic India received the Audience’s Choice Award at the 10th International Large Format Film Festival at La Geode in Paris, France. The festival lasted from January 12 to the 31st in 2005. Mystic India was one of nine large format films selected to be screened at the festival.[8] Mystic India was also accredited with the honor of “Most Popular Film” at the San Jose IMAX Film Festival.[9]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Jump up to:a b c d "Mystic India - Behind the Scene".
  2. ^ Jump up to:a b c "Mystic India - Film Synopsis".
  3. ^ Dave, H.T. Life and Philosophy of Shree Swaminarayan. 2nd edition. London: George Allen and Unwin, 1974.
  4. ^ Parekh, Manilal C. Shri Svaminarayan. 3rd edition. Bombay: Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 1980
  5. ^ Jump up to:a b c Kim, Hanna. Being Swaminarayan: The Ontology and Significance of Belief in the Construction of a Gujarati Diaspora. 1st. New York: Columbia University Press, 2001. 286
  6. ^ Jump up to:a b Williams, Raymond. An Introduction to Swaminarayan Hinduism. 1st. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2001. 15
  7. ^ Jump up to:a b "Mystic India".
  8. ^ "News of BAPS - 'Mystic India' Wins 'The Audience's Choice Prize'".
  9. ^ "Mystic India wows select audience". India Herald. Retrieved 19 April 2013.

External links[edit]


===
Customer Review
Y
3.0 out of 5 stars The Storybook India
Reviewed in the United States on August 13, 2013
Verified Purchase

India has many faces and its mystic face is the one that most often finds itself in the great stories because of its charm and allure. This is a film tracking the footsteps of a popular religious leader in British-era India and the title is perhaps a tad misleading.

 The strong religious, metaphysical and spiritual tone of the story may not be appealing to everybody. The breathtakingly beautiful cinematography and excellent choice of music makes this film a wonderful insight into an India of the past, or what we are made to think India's past looked like in the storybooks!

 There are no dearth of beautiful places in India and any attempt at making an India-scale documentary can, at best, scratch the surface. This is an excellent introduction to those who don't know much about India, but here's a spoiler: do not expect India to as shown in the film if you do visit the country.
13 people found this helpful

==

Mystic India (2005) Poster
Mystic India (2005)
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 10/10
Simply Amazing
dlakhani8811 July 2006
Mystic India takes you through icy peaks to the cool blue Lake Mansarovar, into the wild jungles of Sunderbans and the reforests of Assam, through barren deserts and to the silent shores of South India. Explore and learn from the majesty and mysticism of India's art and architecture, music and dance, faces and festivals, customs and costumes which are brought to life on the giant screen.

This entertaining, educating and enlightening giant screen film rediscovers India, a land of many mysteries and fascinations. It is the world's first large format epic on India. A period film set 200 years back in time, it retraces the incredible journey of an 11-year old child yogi, Neelkanth. In 1792 AD, he walked for 12,000 km continuously for 7 years, barefoot and barebody, through the length and breadth of India, from the Himalayas to the southern sea-shores. A must see...10/10 5***** Simply Amazing!!!!
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 10/10
Mystic India, A Must See
pramukh192127 February 2006
This was a great non-fiction, true account of a young boy's journey through India. It shows the courage, persistence, and knowledge of a young Indian boy, while depicting the magnificence of the Indian land, people, and festivals. This is a must see film for any fan of culture, history, and magnificence; a student of architecture or beauty; or anyone who wishes to spend their time watching an enjoyable film. This great film will broaden your horizons for and toward the magnificence that is India, the beauty of its festivals, and the true nature of its people. The film, which started as one boy's journey, to attain true spiritual knowledge, does not end with his final footsteps, but it is a journey that begins within each and every person as they marvel at the magnanimous nature of this boy's travels and spiritual intent.
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 9/10
Great Film - must see
riteshg24 November 2005
Great film, its a must see for everyone. Puts together a snapshot of India and its culture in less than an hour, with the endearing story of Neelkanth - a child yogi who traveled across India on foot. Children and adults will all enjoy this film, and learn from it. The only limitation is that since its in 70mm, only Imax and such theaters will show it, so everyone won't be able to see it in their city. But the upside is that only a large canvas does justice to this film and country - with the colors and lights of India, interwoven by Neelkanth's travels, it deserves a huge 70mm screen. The scene of the chariot festival with thousands of people celebrating is breathtaking.
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 10/10
Excellent documentary/movie for everyone
yoga633 March 2007
The movie shows full breath and depth of India's vast culture on the backdrop of life story of Neelkanth, a young yogi. As an Indian, I walk away with pride and feeling confidence of my heritage and myself. My kids also liked the movie a lot. I assume, non-Indian, will find it very informative, interesting, and of course mystic. After watching the movie, one may feel like experiencing the parts of India, as the Neelkanth did. So, this movie can be bing boon to India's tourism industry.

I wish there is a web-site to follow up, so the viewers can further dive into the mysticism of India.
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 10/10
Fantastic Documentary - And a Stunning Film
solitary_mariner13 June 2013
Mystic India is an absolutely breathtaking and stunning piece of film work and has a soundtrack to match. Unfortunately it is not very well known as it was shot in 70mm for Imax. This documentary takes you you from the lowlands and jungles of India to the towering Himalayas whilst following in the footsteps of 11 year old Nilkanth as he sets out on a 12000km journey of enlightenment in the year of 1792.

The Rath Yatra festival in Jagannathpuri is a scene not be missed and for me, was the highlight of this movie. It included over 8,000 participants and chariots taller than five stories high.

Narrated by Peter O'Toole, with amazing music Mystic India will take you to to locations that you can only ever dream of seeing. This is one for the bucket list of films to see - you will not be disappointed. A guaranteed feast for the eyes, the ears and the soul.
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 7/10
Great Photography, but a little too Idealistic
mthaker-125 November 2006
The Positives: Videography and photography are absolutely astounding and are what make this film worthwhile to see. The sights of India are well-represented by the giant screen and excellent angles and shots of the photography crew. Because the land's physical terrain is so diverse, the travels of Neelkanth Varni (a young Hindu yogi who later establishes the Swaminarayan Sampradaya) truly reveal the natural beauty of 18th century India.

I also thought Peter O'Toole did a good job explaining (though its VERY brief) the basic characteristics of ashtanga-yoga, the fundamental practice of classical Hinduism and Buddhism.

The Negatives: Because the film's goal was to sample the culture, natural beauty, and spirituality of India, none of the topics represented got enough exposure, in my opinion. The film tried to do a little TOO much by covering every topic it possibly could. I thought that if they followed the story of Neelkanth a little more closely, the film would be a little more successful in both exposing the art and architecture of India and the inspiring accomplishments of Neelkanth Varni.

The other major negative persists throughout the film: the tone of the commentary shows an idealistic India, when in actuality, Hinduism was experiencing a significant decline in the early 18th century. Though the portrayal of Neelkanth was based on factual history, the film is a romanticized synopsis of Hindu thought and culture.

The goal of the film is to show India in all its beauty and diversity. I think it accomplished that goal overall. It's definitely worth seeing.
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MOVE REVIEW
The Boston Globe
Mystic India
An idealized ride through India
''Mystic India'' is a greatest-hits tour of lovely sites. ''Mystic India'' is a greatest-hits tour of lovely sites.
By Ethan Gilsdorf
Globe Correspondent / May 22, 2009
Email|Print|Reprints||Text size – +
Though technically not an IMAX film, "Mystic India: An Incredible Journey of Inspiration" is billed as "the first large format epic on India." But as this promotional short masquerading as a documentary proves, size isn't everything.

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Find showtimes and theaters for 'Mystic India'


MYSTIC INDIA: An Incredible Journey of Inspiration
Directed by: Keith Melton

Starring: Latesh Patel, narrated by Peter O'Toole

At: Museum of Science

Running time: 44 minutes

Rated: G

In English

The seductive, grandiloquent voice of Peter O'Toole guides us through a greatest-hits package tour of Indian sites. Helicopters swoop us over the snowy Himalayas and across jagged ravines and raging rivers. Crowds of joyous (but largely silent) villagers dance and throw flower petals at festivals, and yogis stand silhouetted under archways and on riverbanks, bathed in amber sunsets. The camera tilts and pans across intricately carved temples as O'Toole intones, "India is a land of colorful customs and fascinating events." Yawn.

The film's 100-plus architectural and geological locations are the backdrop for the true story of 11-year-old Neelkanth, a boy yogi who left his village in 1792 on a solo, seven-year, 8,000-mile, barefoot pilgrimage. In this retelling, the youth climbs glaciers, crosses jungles, stops by the sacred Haridwar River, and visits stunning sites like Badrinath Temple. He uses his yogi powers to survive freezing temperatures. (O'Toole claims "scientists at Harvard and elsewhere" have confirmed this could have happened.) Along the way, Neelkanth pauses under trees, tames a lion, meets villagers, and spreads the gospel: "I have no home, only a journey." The boy goes on to become Swaminarayan, a key figure in modern Hinduism who, the film says, "ushered in rays of hope" and helped unify the nation.

This is an ultra-romanticized vision of a crowded, complicated nation. O'Toole's narration brushes aside India's history of ethnic and religious strife with tourist-board platitudes like "The whole of India seems filled with lamps, firecrackers, and joy." And, because "Mystic India" is set in the 18th century, there's nary a cellphone, smog cloud, or shantytown in sight.

But like on a tedious train or car trip, the landscape can still be gorgeous. Cast a blind eye to the present, and enjoy the pretty ride.

© Copyright 2009 Globe Newspaper Company.

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The Lilies of the Field (novel) - Wikipedia

The Lilies of the Field (novel) - Wikipedia

The Lilies of the Field (novel)

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First edition (publ, Doubleday)

The Lilies of the Field is a 1962 novel by William Edmund Barrett, who based his depiction of the sisters, partly upon the Benedictine nuns of the Abbey of St. Walburga,[1] originally located in Boulder Colorado.[2]

The novel was filmed as Lilies of the Field in 1963. Its lead actor, Sidney Poitier, won an Academy Award for Best Actor for portraying Homer Smith.

Plot[edit]

Homer Smith, just out of the US Army, buys a station wagon in Seattle, equips it for sleeping in and sets out to see the West. Having learned many skills in the army, he picks up jobs as an itinerant handyman/jack-of-all-trades.

One morning, Smith comes to a derelict-looking farm in a valley west of the Rocky Mountains. He sees several women working on a fence, very ineptly. The women, who speak German but very little English, appear to be Catholic nuns. He offers to do a small repair job and stays overnight, assuming that he will be paid in the morning. The next day, Smith tries to persuade the Mother superior to pay him, but it is clear that Old Mother—as he now calls her—is convinced he has been sent by God to build a church.

The nuns—Mother Maria Marthe, and sisters Gertrud, Albertine, Elizabeth and Agnes—have no money, subsist on little food and have no materials to build their church. Nevertheless, Smith—a Baptist—agrees to stay to help them with other small jobs, though he realizes he is unlikely to be paid for his labor.

On Sunday, Smith drives the nuns to Mass in the small largely Spanish-speaking town of Piedras. While the nuns attend Mass, he takes the opportunity to get a "man’s breakfast" at the café. The owner tells him that the nuns came from East Germany, as the property was willed to their Order by potato farmer Gus Ritter, whose sister was a nun with the Order. The owner and townsfolk do not believe the nuns can succeed in their endeavors.

Smith stays longer and finds himself driven to work on the church. In the larger town of North Fork, he meets Orville Livingstone, who runs a construction company, and was Ritter’s friend and executor. He assisted the nuns when they arrived, but is unwilling to do more, such as donating bricks.

To earn money to buy some "real food" to supplement the Spartan diet the nuns are able to provide him, Smith gets a part-time job with Livingstone, working two days a week. Smith can handle nearly every piece of heavy equipment Livingstone owns. Smith supplements the nuns' diet, shopping for groceries to stock up their kitchen.

Smith (whom the nuns now call "Schmidt") helps the sisters improve their rudimentary English (only Mother Maria speaks the language well enough to converse with him) and joins them in singing and playing his guitar.

As the weather gets too hot to work, Smith decides to take time off in the big city. When his money runs out, he takes a job on a wrecking crew, which involves dirty and dangerous work. He buys some usable items—a bathtub and some windows—then heads back to the farm to install them so the nuns at least have a proper bath in which to wash.

Everyone is astounded that he’s returned, except Mother Maria. The townsfolk start to assist, delivering adobe bricks, but Smith is ever more reluctant to let them help him build "his" church. Even Livingstone finds an excuse to deliver some more materials. The work goes ahead. The church is completed and Smith is exhausted. Mother Maria insists that he attend the opening Mass next day to receive proper recognition from the congregation, but Smith knows that his work is done. Late that night, he quietly packs up and leaves, knowing that he will not return.

The story of "Schmidt" quickly gains legendary status. Tourists come to admire the church, stories are written in the press and donations are made to complete other buildings. A school is established for boys who have been in trouble with the law, just as the nuns wanted. The centerpiece of the church is a painting by Sister Albertine of Saint Benedict the Moor, who bears an uncanny resemblance to Smith.

References[edit]

  1. ^ King, David A., "The heart of Barrett’s ‘The Lilies of the Field’", The Georgia Bulletin, March 20, 2014 Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  2. ^ Abbey of St. Walburga


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The Lilies of the Field: Barrett, William E: Amazon.com: Books

The Lilies of the Field: Barrett, William E: 9780446315005: Amazon.com: Books














The Lilies of the Field Mass Market Paperback – July 29, 1988
by William E Barrett (Author)
4.7 out of 5 stars 249 ratings
4.0 on Goodreads
2,572 ratings

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Lilies of the Field

Sidney Poitier
4.9 out of 5 stars 2,695
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Publisher ‏ : ‎ Grand Central Publishing (July 29, 1988)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Mass Market Paperback ‏ : ‎ 128 pages

Customer Reviews:
4.7 out of 5 stars 249 ratings


Top reviews from the United States


It's Me
5.0 out of 5 stars GreatReviewed in the United States on September 10, 2022
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Very inspirational and entertaining



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Mrs.Norma
5.0 out of 5 stars Short & Sweet
Reviewed in the United States on June 7, 2022
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The amount of words needed for something to be wonderful Is few to nearly none at all. This book is merely 68 pages, and it is delightful. Homer the main character and Mother Maria the head Nun of a group of “Sisters” have no words lost between them. But somehow while saying little they grow to respect each other very much, and I grew to love them. Perhaps I’m biased, lord knows I have a personal infatuation with anything poetically put “Short and Sweet” ...... but maybe, by some chance, you do too.



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LTJ
5.0 out of 5 stars Finding Your Place
Reviewed in the United States on November 21, 2020
Verified Purchase
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."

4 people found this helpful


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Sue J. Cauhape
5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Accompaniment to the MovieReviewed in the United States on February 11, 2022
Verified Purchase
I purchased this book after watching the movie with Sidney Poitier a month ago. First, I was thrilled to find it still in print. I love the artistic cover, but the story itself is profound in its simplicity and as satisfying as watching the movie itself. I plan to keep this for my grandson to use in home school for comparing novels to movies as well as learning so much about human nature.

One person found this helpful



Linda
5.0 out of 5 stars ExcellentReviewed in the United States on July 16, 2021
Verified Purchase
Just recently rewatched movie and forgot it was based on a book. It's a short book and an easy read. Movie and book are mostly the same, with the movie being fleshed out a bit more to make it run longer. I just felt the book gave me more insight as the why German nuns were in southwestern desert and a little more into Homer's character as well. Both and and movie are excellent.

One person found this helpful


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LS
4.0 out of 5 stars Flat; missed opportunitesReviewed in the United States on January 28, 2017
Verified Purchase
Thin, perhaps should be called a book-let; Probably more appropriate for a magazine story. Enjoyed the read, and glad I read it, although finished it in 1 sitting before bed. Characters seemed to drift a bit from chapter to chapter and there were some plot choices that dragged story down, such as - SPOILER ALERT 

-- why build a duplicate chapel of one less than 2 miles away??? Told entirely from the perspective of Homer, and he was also inconsistent and at times seemed on drugs 
-- Castenada flashbacks for me. 

There were other substantial characters that would have been great to develop a little further and give them some true or even partial dimension and reality, but sadly didn't happen. 

Unlike most books I read, I had a real hard time visualizing what I was reading; too bad because there could have been some great visuals opportunities - both scenic and spiritual. 

Surprisingly, the true ending was very enjoyable and left me smiling.

3 people found this helpful



mcewin
5.0 out of 5 stars A simple story told in simple wordsReviewed in Canada on September 24, 2015
Verified Purchase

The value of this book as literature is to show what can be done with very simple prose. 

A man arrives out of nowhere, to the middle of nowhere. There he meets other people. Together they accomplish a thing, which otherwise would not have been done. The man departs to nowhere.

Scenes are painted with very few words, in English, or German, or Spanglish. Nothing much needs saying, it wants doing. Much of it takes place in the man's head, a man who "like interesting ideas".

The movie did an admirable job at catching the black-and-white pallet of the desert and people (a black man dressed in white, white women dressed in black), If you liked the movie, you will like the book. If you have seen or read neither, do both. There is an experience waiting for you.

===
About the author
Profile Image for William Edmund Barrett.
William Edmund Barrett
28 books22 followers

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Willam 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 Manhatten college. In 1941 he became an aeronautics consultant for 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.


Community Reviews
4.01


Ann L.
565 reviews
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May 11, 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.
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Kathryn
4,109 reviews

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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).
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Katie Hanna
 
6 books
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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.

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booklady
2,145 reviews
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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.
1980s
 
1990s
 
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La Tonya Jordan
275 reviews
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October 23, 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."
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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. ;))

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Kathleen
538 reviews
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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".
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Olivia
305 reviews
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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)
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historical-fiction

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