Some of these are generational, thanks to the abuse and ideals forced on him by his father. Gad is the head of the household, a prominent leader within the church, and riddled with issues. The world was nothing any man could control." "That was why her father feared and hated worldly things. She is a stranger on the street, and he treats her with contempt solely because she doesn't immediately submit to his obvious male privilege and dominance. And 'unexpectedly' is anything that isn't 100% subservient, demure, or apologetic, as is evident in Gad's interactions with his wife, daughter, and Linda before he even knows her. I found myself horrified several times by the use of religion to enable men to exert their control over not only their own families but the women who dare to act even slightly unexpectedly. Several storylines allow for a deep exploration of this and many other topics from different perspectives. The Rise of Light is excellent for many reasons, but I especially appreciated the exploration of the inherent misogyny, abuse, and restrictions within Mormonism. The good, the bad and the ugly.Ī wonderful family drama and love story that with some editing could truly have achieved American literary greatness. This is a story that is quiet but important. Hawker has huge awareness of human emotion and the language to convey all the nuances to the reader. We are presented with characters that are complex and damaged and doing the best they can for the people they love. This is an amazingly poignant and resonant family drama that pulled at my heartstrings and caused me to weep several times.sometimes bitterly but more often sweetly. You feel immersed in the Mormon Community in Rexburg Idaho and are part of the community. You are not reading about 1975 but are living it. Hawker has a way with words with creating word paintings of landscapes that are breathtakingly sensual and visual that impart to the reader a sense of place in the here and now.
Normally this would have knocked the book down to three stars but because this book was so exquisite in so many ways I cannot rate it less than a four. After creating such nuanced characters the climax felt overly dramatic and unbelievable to this reader. The climax of the piece did not work for me for the most part. I want to start off with my one major criticism before I start to gush. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and Lake Union Publishing for providing me an e-copy.
4 " emotional, sensitive, at times off the mark" stars !!
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