Blue Lights: Or, Hot Work in the Soudan: A Tale of Soldier Life in Several of Its Phases

by R.M. Ballantyne

Miles Milton is a prodigal. He struggles with authority and, like the prodigal son in Scripture, must learn the lessons of life the hard way. Through a series of events, he joins the British army for the war in the Sudan, thinking he will experience the good life of adventure and proudly make his way in the world. However, the providential hand of God has prepared a course for young Miles whereby, through the adventures and experiences of life in the blazing heat of the Sudan and among the tribal clans, and while attempting to survive among his enemies, he realizes the folly of his youthful ways. But is it too late?

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Childrens, Classics

397 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1888

About the author

R. M. Ballantyne was a Scottish writer of juvenile fiction.

Born Robert Michael Ballantyne in Edinburgh, he was part of a famous family of printers and publishers. At the age of 16 he went to Canada and where he served for six years with the Hudson's Bay Company. He returned to Scotland in 1847, and published his first book the following year, Hudson's Bay: or Life in the Wilds of North America. For some time he was employed by Messrs Constable, the publishers, but in 1856 he gave up business for literature, and began the series of adventure stories for the young with which his name is popularly associated.

Reviews

[Katja Labonté · Rating 5 out of 5]

5+ stars & 6/10 hearts. This is such an amazing book. It’s about British soldiers & sailors in 1885 (Henty vibes!!!) but the whole theme of the book is about reaching those men with the Gospel & pulling them out of drunkenness. I LOVED that theme. I loved the saved soldiers & how they always witnessed. I loved the compassionate, not belittling/patronizing attitude towards the Sudanese/Arabs. This was like Henty, but by a Christian author and without the drinking. It was very humorous and altogether I loved it. <3 

A Favourite Quote: “‘I have been thinking what an important thing it is for men to come to Jesus for salvation while in their health and strength; for now, instead of being anxious about my soul, as so many are when the end approaches, I am rejoicing in the thought of soon meeting God—my Father! Sutherland, my good fellow, it is foolish as well as wrong to think only of this life.’”
A Favourite Humorous Quote: “‘Is that you again? It’s wishin’ I am that I had you in ould Ireland,’ growled Corporal Flynn, referring to Osman Digna, whose men had opened fire on the neighbouring fort, and again roused the whole garrison. ‘Slape is out o’ the question wi’ such a muskitos buzzin’ about. Bad luck to ’ee!’
“‘What good would it do to send him to Ireland?’ asked Simkin[.]
“‘Why, man, don’t ye see, av he was in ould Ireland he couldn’t be disturbin’ our night’s rest here. Moreover, they’d make a dacent man of ’im there in no time. It’s always the way; if an English blackguard goes over to Ireland he’s almost sure to return home more or less of a gintleman. That’s why I’ve always advised you to go over, boy.’” 

[Levi W. A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would give it a 7 out of 10 🌟.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very impressed by the many moral lessons learned in this book and the amount of Christianity - especially the theme that when in time of trouble, the characters get their strength from God. It is also historically sound, with many, many of the remarkable incidents having been related to Ballantyne by eye-witnesses. There is a lot of violence because it is about a war, but it is delicately handled and most of the men have a good view on war in general (killing to save lives, not just to take them). Miles is an excellent main character because he is nowhere near perfect but he is convicted about his sinful nature and grows throughout the story. Blue Lights is well-written, frequently amusing and often touching.

[Benjamin Nelson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting book with many character lessons well worth remembering. The adventure and introspection of the hero kept me interested throughout the book but the main moral premise that is advanced is incorrect; that being "total abstinence". Granted that the men in their situation in the book could likely have benefitted from the teetotaler view, however it is presented as Biblically accurate which is not correct. Overall, a good read.

[Kathleen R · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was a wonderful read, taking me through turns of laughter and tears, the characters grew and became friends I was sorry to part with. I especially love how Ballantyne upholds a strong and heroic masculinity with men finding strength in God!