Fields of Light: A Son Remembers His Heroic Father

by Joseph Hurka

Book Overview

Winner of Pushcart's 19th annual Editor's Book Award. After the fall of Communism, Joseph Hurka traveled to Prague, where his father had fought in the Underground against the Czech-Stalinist... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1888889322
• ISBN13: 9781888889321
• Release Date: March 2003
• Publisher: Pushcart Press
• Length: 201 Pages
• Weight: 0.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Great read for some history of the Czech Republic

As other reviewers mention, it's hard to imagine life without freedom. Quick, easy, interesting, entertaining for someone who likes historical fiction.

Channeler of Truth

Franz Kafka wrote "A book ought to be an ice pick to break up the frozen sea within us." Indeed, Hurka's journey to honor his father, learn of his father's heroism and suffering, and to learn about himself, was a journey into the interior chambers of the human heart that possesses vulnerability and passion. It is a book that is capable of thawing the frozen parts of us. I learned about the valor and pride of the people of the Czech Republic during the Communist reign, as well as the story of one man's heroism. The author wrote so beautifully, I am enticed to someday visit this part of the world.

Touching, Powerful Memoir

Joseph Hurka has written a very touching memoir of his father's valiant fight against fascism in his home country. This rings especially poignant in the troubled times now facing America. I purchased this book the Saturday before the vile terrorist attacks on the Pentagon and World Trade Center. I began reading it, thinking it was a wonderful memoir of a bygone era. Now, post-attacks, upon my finishing this book I have a renewed sense of just how precious freedom is and what so many other people have been willing to do to secure it. Bravo to Hurka Senior, for all the proud fighting he did to do his part to keep the hope of freedom alive; we owe him and all those like him a great debt of honor. And also bravo to his son, this book's author, for writing such a powerful story of real heroism so well and so vividly. Truly, a joy to read, and in times such as these a must-read. I highly recommend this book.

Poetic Narrative Written by a Hero's Son

Mr. Hurka tells the story of his father, a hero, with the rhythm of a poet. Unlike many sons who have written about their fathers, this isn't about that author. Mr. Hurka allows his father's amazing life to shine through his own talent as a writer and lets the reader get to know a true patriot hero. With his lyrical tones, the reader can only hope they will be allowed to know more of Mr. Hurka himself in a future book.