MANSFIELD — A creative idea shared by a Mansfield resident has grown into a novel exploring identity, redemption, and the thin line between darkness and light.
Author Joe Clark has released The Lessons of Light, a 354-page work of speculative fiction inspired by an original story concept from his uncle, Joshua Oakley, who lives in Mansfield. Clark not only based the book’s central character on Oakley’s idea but also used his likeness on the cover of the novel.
Oakley’s original concept imagined a man suffering from a rare condition that makes exposure to sunlight fatal.
Forced to live at night, the character investigates a series of murders occurring during the day — eventually discovering the killer is a split personality within himself. From that premise, Clark expanded the story into a sweeping narrative that spans generations and examines how one person’s inner struggle can change the world around him.
“It started as a conversation and a ‘what if,’ ” Clark said. “Joshua’s idea stuck with me, and once I started writing, the story kept growing. I wanted to honor the origin of that idea by making him a visible part of the book.”
While The Lessons of Light begins as a psychological thriller, it evolves into a broader meditation on forgiveness, memory, and human transformation, blending elements of horror, spiritual reflection, and science fiction.
Oakley said seeing his idea — and image — become part of a published novel was unexpected.
“I never thought something I threw out there would turn into a full book,” he said. “It’s surreal to see it take on a life of its own.”
Clark, an Appalachian author and historian, is known for writing across genres that explore human complexity, regional identity, and moral questions. He describes The Lessons of Light as one of his most personal projects to date.
The book is now available in paperback and Kindle editions through Amazon.