The Other Side of the Hayfields by R.T. Douglass
What's It About?
A gripping historical novel that explores the moral dilemmas of a young man facing poverty, war, and social injustice while a nation tears apart.In his gripping new historical novel, The Other Side of the Hayfields, R.T. Douglass transports readers to the antebellum south as protagonist John Bailey is coming of age. Having grown up sheltered on his family’s humble farm in Virginia, John has never truly experienced the world around him. But when he befriends and grows to love Sarah, an enslaved girl from the neighboring plantation, his eyes are opened to the injustices and division present in society.
A Moral Dilemma in the Face of Harsh Reality
As John and his younger brother, Ben, begin to read stories in the paper with talk of secession and the Dred Scott decision, John begins to realize that he may not know as much about the world around him as he had originally thought. And as his friendship with Sarah develops, he starts to recognize the gross mistreatment of the enslaved people on the McDade’s neighboring plantation.
“Am I completely blind? How could I have missed it?” John asks himself, appalled, as he learns that Sarah and her brother, Josiah, had never learned to read. “They’s might be a lot ya don’t know,” Sarah tells John, in reference to the poor treatment of enslaved people.
John faces a great moral dilemma: Does he stay silent about the injustices of slavery and watch his friends suffer as he remains on his family farm, or does he stand up for what he believes is right and choose the dangerous path to freedom?
“I’m gonna find out what’s on the other side of the hayfields,” John tells his brother as he decides he is ready to leave farming behind and learn more about the world around him.
But it is one horrific night that ultimately opens his eyes to the greed, crimes, and prejudices of the slave owners and makes the decision for him.
A Dangerous Journey North Toward Freedom
Now in trouble with slave owner, Chester McDade, John, Sarah, and Josiah find themselves fleeing north before they are caught and held responsible for the slave owners’ crimes. But this journey proves to be more challenging — from hopping trains to outrunning bounty hunters — than the group had originally expected.
While this journey comes with great challenges, it also comes with great demonstrations of kindness. As they continue north, the group is met time and time again with kindness from complete strangers. From Jay, an enslaved man who pointed them toward shelter, to Andrew Barlow, who provided them with food and money, to Nick, who helped them seek passage on a train, there are many people along the underground railroad willing to help them to safety.
This time away from the farm proves to be eye-opening for John as well. Sarah, concerned for John’s future says, “Think I’s ruined yer life.” To which he replies, “Maybe changed it, but — I’m seeing life outside the farm.”
The Other Side of the Hayfields is full of moments that will warm readers’ hearts while breaking them at the same time. It is a story of friendship, social injustice, grief, cruelty, kindness, and fighting for what you believe in. Douglas’ first installment of the John Bailey Saga explores the moral dilemmas that face John as he comes of age in antebellum America and learns about the harsh reality of slavery, poverty and war. Will he stand up for what he believes is right? Will he and his friends escape toward freedom? Will they find help in this divided nation? Only time will tell as John, Sarah, and Josiah make this dangerous journey.
About the author:
Robert has spent the majority of his life studying Theology. He also has an A.A.S. in Microsoft Networking Technology from Glendale Community College and is a Microsoft Certified Professional.
Robert likes reading, writing, and exploring natural wonders. His favorite pastime is telling tall stories around the campfire.
Other interest include country drives in old sports cars, watching baseball, and an occasional movie.
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