The world was nothing any man can control

What did it mean if the world called to him with endless arrays of color and light?

For me, these two quotes sum up this marvellous novel.
Gad Rigby might not be able to control the world, but he will do everything he can to control his family. And added to his rigid expectations, his children - now young adults - must deal with the expectations and judgement of the staunchly Mormon town where they live.
Linda Duff actively seeks out the rigidity and order of the Mormon religion, believing that a faithful Mormon family of her own will give her stability lacking in her own upbringing. But her arrival upsets the balance, not only of the Rigby family, but of the town itself, which regards her with suspicion as an outsider and potential bad influence.
Aran, Gad's oldest son, is torn between his art and the expectations placed on him by his father and the church. He wants to paint, but he also clings to the security and safety his family and religion give him. His sister Tamsin, younger, maybe braver, or maybe just more aware that as a girl the constraints placed on her will be harsher than those placed on her brothers, is much more of a rebel.
And Linda's arrival acts as a catalyst, setting things in motion that will mean the family is never the same.
Descriptions of light run throughout the novel without being intrusive. The scenery and the town itself become as necessary as the characters, especially as the novel draws to its conclusion.
Olivia Hawker is a new author to me, but I will definitely be seeking out and reading her previous novels. This one was wonderful.
With thanks to Netgalley and Lake Union Publishing for an advanced readers' copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

This is a moving piece of historical fiction that tells the story of a Mormon family in rural Idaho in the the mid-1970’s. Told from multiple perspectives, the reader gradually gets to know each family member and in some cases, close friends. The characters are well developed and nuanced. The story weaves a realistic picture of what happens when traditions are blindly accepted, questioned, and rebelled against. Ultimately, the ending is both satisfying and redemptive.

Thank you very much to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the advanced reader’s copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Rise of Light by Olivia Hawker 5 stars

This is the story of the Rigby family living in Rexburg, Idaho in 1975. It incorporates many characters along the way creating a thoughtful and eloquently written book. Gad who is the matriarch of the family is so dysfunctional he seems to effortlessly bring down his family one by one. The glimpse into the duality of religion is also exposed. The language is clean, the characters are well drawn and consistent. I found myself looking forward to spending time with them, the good and the bad. Lots to ponder in this well written book. This is the first novel I have read by this author, but her other two are on my list.

A slow burn of a novel( in a good way) exploring the dynamics and tensions in a family where not only personalities are in play, but the expectations of the Mormon community. Everybody trying to live up what they think is expected of them - and woe betide you if you dare to be different. The book is very well-written. I could relate to all of the characters and their individual perspectives. I danced with joy and cried with sympathy as events unfolded. This is the first book I have read from this author, but her other two have been added to my TBR list. 5 stars from me. I was privileged to receive a free copy of the book and this my voluntary review.