ABOUT THE BOOK

Inspired by a true story, Out of the Darkness chronicles the journey of a nineteenth century child coal miner as he rises from the ashes of poverty and tragedy to reach for his dreams.

In his powerful debut novel Out of the Darkness, David Jacinto explores his family’s history and unpacks issues of class warfare and child labor against the backdrop of England’s Industrial Revolution. Readers meet Tommy Wright, a seven-year-old who follows in his father and grandfather’s footsteps, working in coal mines in Yorkshire, England. The work is brutal and life-threatening, but Tommy swallows his fears to help support his family, working alongside his father, twelve hours a day, six days a week. After disaster strikes and many of his friends die in a mine explosion, a devastated Tommy and his self-educated mother decide that Tommy and his siblings would have a different fate, one that would free them from the iron-fisted wealthy aristocrats who own the coal mines and villages families like Tommy’s call home.

As Tommy matures, he determines his own fate, defying the odds to excel in an engineering career and waging a noble fight against child labor. Bolstered by family, faith, and the love of strong, determined women, Tommy confronts his oppressors, eventually immigrating to America to pursue the life of his dreams.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

David Jacinto was born into a family living on the wrong side of the tracks and has been a storyteller ever since. He was the first in his extended family to attend college, and as a student athlete at one of the most prestigious universities in the United States, he received his degree in civil engineering. He went on to serve as president of SM Engineering Company, held leadership roles in multiple national and international companies along the west coast of California, and was on the board of directors for others. He was also commandeered by the State of California on special assignment as chief engineer to help rescue California’s three major utilities on the verge of bankruptcy during the highly publicized $300 billion energy crisis in 2001. 

David has had numerous speaking engagements over his successful career, frequently interjecting colorful, fascinating, and humorous stories of his life experiences. Some of these stories are drawn from his ill-spent youth, some from his many business successes, and some from family experiences. But all delivered with the greatest respect for the opportunities America has afforded him and a thankfulness to those fallen leaves from the family tree of immigrants who made it all possible. 

Despite his business successes, he supposes his greatest achievements have been to convince the fetching Anne Gray to become his wife, the good fortune to be a part of the lives of his 4 wonderful children, their wives and husband, and the blessing to be Papa J to 13 near-perfect grandchildren. Out of the Darkness is his second book, with Where Eagles Fly Free to follow as the second in the series.

TALKING POINTS

• How Tom and Martha Wright’s fight against child labor led to two cornerstone pieces of Parliamentary legislation that changed England’s history that echoed around the civilized world.
• The Silkstone Mining Tragedy and its impact on child labor laws in the United Kingdom.
• Child labor is still an issue: How many current American businesses are supported by child labor in the US and abroad and what ordinary citizens can do about it.
• What we can learn by studying family history, especially with September’s upcoming National Family Day (26) and Ancestor Appreciation Day (27)!
• The destruction of the nuclear family and its impact on current society (National Family Day 9/26 is a perfect time to discuss this important topic).

PRAISE

“David Jacinto’s Out of the Darkness is a masterful exploration of perseverance. The author brilliantly weaves themes of resilience throughout the narrative, guiding readers on a transformative journey that mirrors the protagonist’s own experience.” 
–Mike Carey, former BBC radio presenter 

“Beautifully written, Out of the Darkness is a captivating historical novel that demonstrates the author’s masterful storytelling prowess. Through meticulous attention to historical detail, the book effortlessly transports readers to a bygone era that is at once charming and terrifying. The characters, richly developed and deeply relatable, breathe life into the pages–their triumphs, pain, and desire resonating with authenticity. Historical events seamlessly blend with the narrative, creating a riveting love story that leaves readers spellbound until the final page.”
–Amy Osmond Cook, President of Osmond Marketing Company

“Mr. Jacinto’s skill in illustrating these themes is evident, as he adeptly balances moments of actual historical conditions while inviting readers to reflect on their own life experiences. This combination of history and human relationships leaves a lasting impression, making it an unforgettable read.” 
–NaVee Vernon, Summit County Historian (ret.)

“Out of the Darkness is a compelling and inspiring read. It is a testament to the human will that tells its story with honesty and with gratitude for those who paved the way for a family to flourish for generations. The first of a two-volume set, it sounds a powerful prelude for an even greater story yet to come.”
–Eric Stemle, 2003 Wyoming Teacher of the Year, Author of I Was Not the Blossom: Growing With Your Students in a Nurturing Classroom

“Dave Jacinto has done something very special with Out of the Darkness. It is more than a heartfelt tribute from a grateful descendent of great people; it is also a carefully researched history that recreates a moment in history that we need to understand.” 
–Marilyn Green Faulkner, bestselling author of The User-Friendly Book of Mormon

“The limits of resilience are put to the test on this journey back to mid-19th-century Yorkshire, England.  It’s a time and place where children work long hours in coal mines and oppressive wealthy lords of land are in control during early industrialization.  David Jacinto’s Out of the Darkness is historical fiction, but something not unfamiliar to his own personal history, with characters who come from his own ancestry nearly 200 years ago.  

It’s a story of love, disaster, and resourceful toughness, which comes alive through Jacinto’s richly detailed storytelling and natural, engaging conversations.

As readers follow the protagonist, Tom Wright, they witness the struggles and resilience of people caught in the web of oppressive systems.  Jacinto’s storytelling captures the era, painting a picture of the challenges experienced by the working class. Out of the Darkness takes us to a pivotal time in history, and leaves a lasting impact as it reminds us of the incredible human spirit in the face of adversity.  

The dark depths of a dangerous coal mine is the literal setting for Wright’s early life, and the perfect metaphor for what he must overcome.”
–Andrew Luria, 11-Time Emmy Award Winner, Anchor Fox Five and Author of “The Adventures of Charlie Marley”

“Out of the Darkness is a novel rich in historic significance and current relevance. The tale of Thomas Wright and his family is an epic that does more than simply give a voice to the ills of the Industrial Revolution. It depicts the struggles and triumphs of the men and women in this era, and in them, makes real the consequences of unfettered capitalism coupled with new technology that outpaces moral logic. We face similar challenges today, with technological developments pushing the boundaries of our ethical understanding, and we need models for how to respond. Jacinto’s characters demonstrate the courage, faith, humility, and determination that are needed to respond to the crises of our present and our future.”
–Matthew B. Hoyt, Historian and Adjunct Instructor, Brigham Young University