Lamplighter Books are reprinted stories from decades ago, but the situations and lessons shared are timeless. Each book is a new treasure revealed as we read the pages. Lamplighter Publishing has a mission of “printing high quality books with an emphasis on character development, biblical insights, artistic design, excellence, and skilled craftsmanship.”

The White Gypsy is a 264-page hardback book available from Lamplighter Publishing for $25.00. The soft leather cover has a luxurious feel.

There is a timeless quality to this story. It takes place over a hundred years ago, but there are elements that haven’t changed. The setting changes fromtrain, ship, home, and boarding school, all of which can easily be imagined with few changes from current places. The White Gypsy is a tale of tragedy, deceit, and mystery. As in life, circumstances aren’t always happy. But just like the Bible verses referenced throughout the story, underlying threads of absolutes influence the outcome. Light shines in the darkness, and hidden truths come to the surface as the story unfolds.

This is a story about a boy who struggles to figure out who he is during the whole story. He doesn’t know who he is, or where he is from. But despite this, he stays the same inside. He is always putting his friends first, being kind to people who didn’t have any friends, and looking out for others. The characters are deep, and described very well, so that you really understand who they are and the reasons for their decisions.

This is not a story filled with happiness. There are ethnic prejudices about the gypsies. The story played back and forth shows the boys in the school competing for one another’s friendships but not for the best reasons. Selfish possessiveness of the boys’ friendship contrasts with the wise schoolmaster who could see through things.

This is one of the most suspenseful of Lamplighter’s books. Nature versus nurture could be debated using these characters. Three generations of readers in our family read it, all reading it quickly because of the flow of the story. The story would be exciting for any reader or listener, and there are lessons than can be picked up by readers of any age. The ending was especially good, and very sweet. Truth reveals itself.

The boy didn’t let the past dampen his spirits. He kept faithful to his beliefs. You cannot help but share his joy when he finally remembers significant circumstances from his past.

This book has joined our shelf of favorites.

Lamplighter also offers books and their Lamplighter Theatre audio dramas and comprehension guides of many of their titles.

—Product review by Jennifer Miller, The Old Schoolhouse® Magazine, LLC, July 2017