Call the Darkness Light

I read this book a couple of years ago and have recommended it to a number of people. It is a well written account of a young woman's experiences in a Lowell mill. Not only does it cover the mill aspect but a good part of her life. It gave me a better outlook on what life must have been like for my grandparents who came to work in the mills of Rhode Island. Because of their exposure to the mill atmosphere, they suffered from the ailments associated with that type of work (grandfather died at 34/grandmother had "white lung"). I had no idea until I read this book, just what the working conditions were at the time. A must-read for those people interested in the industrial revolution and its effect on the people who worked in that system. Also provides a reason for the union movement in later years.

This historical novel gives an excellent and moving description of early New England life.. with special reference to some of the largest cotton mills in the U.S. I wish this author would do more. To bad all good things have to end, but the story did. I was fortunate to have found an "uncorrected proof" copy to read.

The author was way ahead of her time with the popularity of Angela's Ashes. Of course this book was written without the humor but the plight of the Irish was far more intense.Today the book stores are filled with novels not more than 300 pages. This book left me emotionally fatigued. Now I must wait a week before I even try a new one because I cannot forget Zaroulis' writing.

This has to rate among the finest historical (American) novels written. The author's description of a mill fire was one of the most moving chapters I have ever read. Do yourself a favor and read this book.

I read this book twenty years ago, and have never forgotten it. This must be the mark of true quality. Set in Lowell, Massachusetts, it tells of young textile workers plight more poingnantly than anything else I have ever come across.