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THE FIELDS OF PARADISE by Ralph Bates

THE FIELDS OF PARADISE

By

Pub Date: Oct. 21st, 1940
Publisher: Dutton

Bates has done in this book for Mexico, what his previous books have done for Spain. With equal force and artistry, with lyric realism, vigor and compassion, he interprets Mexico in flux. Here is the story of a small facet of the agrarian revolt, when after years of exploitation, the peasants claim their own. This is the story of one village, of Felipe, a philosophical, clear-thinking man of action, who made it his home. Of his revolt against the dictators, of violence and murder and arson, until past wrongs receive redress. Then Felipe faces the hostility of the Church, which cannot condone the means to this end, and only when the Canon realizes that his stand can lead to more bloodshed, does he yield. Peace is restored -- and the promise of better conditions -- and Felipe marries the Indian girl he loves.