Through Dark Places: True Stories of Human Tragedy, Faith, Miracles, and Survival

Sid Baron
Exxel Publishing (2011)
ISBN 9780970346919
Reviewed by Richard R. Blake for Reader Views (07/10)


“Through Dark Places” is a compilation of true short stories of human tragedy, faith, miracles, and survival. Each story tells of an extraordinary event that realistically describes the emotions experienced by courageous people facing some of life’s greatest trials.

The stories are drawn from Sid Baron’s own experiences, from those of close friends, and from interviews with other “everyday heroes” who have learned the preciousness of life through the uncertainties that accompany the emotion-packed drama and paralyzing intensity experienced during those uncertain hours while waiting for a prognosis, an update, or some kind of promising news.

Baron includes accounts of exciting incidents where miraculous life-saving rescues have been attributed to guardian angels. He speaks of the fear and anxiety experienced when faced with a premonition of bad news to come. He shares stories of the resultant havoc after a fatal accident due to drunk driving.

In the story of “The Longest Week” Sid tells of coping with anger during his daughter’s long recovery and painful therapy after being hit by a drunk driver. He shares the importance of a strong bond of family love, of hope, of faith, and of laughter in the recovery process.

I was especially touched by the moving account of a fighter pilot’s traumatic experiences in prisoner of war camps during World War II.

“David’s Story” relates the emotions which his parents describe as “…a deep sadness creeping over their hearts for a son who is not there.” They speak of an occasional glow on life’s path dimmed by the intensity of ever present shadows. Baron relates the lessons Lisa learned from her brush with death. Lisa now knows how truly blessed she is, how vulnerable, and what a special gift life is.

Tom Klarkson’s story describes the long-range impact that results from growing up in a dysfunctional family. He tells of the embarrassment of being on government welfare and receiving food stamps. He also speaks of the effects of drug and alcohol, abandonment, and of the horrors of physical and mental abuse.

My-Uyen’s story of discovering the meaning of life includes her escape with the boat people evacuated from Viet Nam. She was plagued by fear and a feeling of insignificance as she looked at “the immensity of space above” and the “indifference of the vast ocean below” during her flight on an unsafe ship crowded with evacuees. Today as a vibrant Christian My-Uyen shares, with gratitude, the story of her “harrowing” experiences and the mystery of her miraculous escape.

When collaborating in an effort of this nature, relating the personal stories of other individuals, the writer may unintentionally assume their own personal voice and fall into a sameness or a pattern of simply reporting facts. I sensed this from time to time in Baron’s stories. However, because his writing is fresh, relevant and clear, each episode stands on its own. Each story reflects the triumph of the central characters and is an inspiration.

I appreciated Baron’s excellent command of language and his choice of strong descriptive words. His frequent transitions flowed with very natural segues through each change. “Through Dark Places” is compelling.  Baron is an extraordinary communicator

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