Power & Light

by Will Weaver

Weaver’s long-awaited adult novel returns to the themes of Red Earth, White Earth and Sweet Land. In 1906, an emigrant family from Norway arrives in North Dakota with dreams of owning land and “moving up in the world.” Tragedy plus a crime against them by a powerful man threatens to destroy the family. An unlikely hero steps up. Jenny Haugen, seventeen, leads her siblings on a generational march toward agency, justice, and power. Power & Light, the first of a two-book saga, mirrors the hard-won success of America itself and shows Weaver at the height of his powers.

Genres: Fiction

392 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2023

About the author

I grew up in the Midwest, and had no idea I'd become a writer one day. However I gradually felt a need to tell my own stories. To explain, in writing, how I saw the world.

Today I'm a full time writer with 13 novels, many short stories, and two movie adaptations. I enjoy visiting schools and libraries, and sharing what I've learned about writing.

My newest novel POWER & LIGHT (Sept 2023) is now out. The first of a two book adult saga, it follows the arc of a Norwegian emigrant family to the Midwest–their hardships and ultimate triumph.

Reviews

[Tom Robertson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Power & Light" is a story of revenge, justice and family bonds set in rural North Dakota in the 1930s. The Haugens are an emigrant farm family that includes a no-nonsense brother and three strong-willed sisters. The story unfolds when one of the sisters is victimized in town, leaving the Haugens isolated but determined to set things right.

Will Weaver's crisp writing and attention to the details of farm life made me think of my own agrarian ancestors as they were introduced to the miracle of telephones and the life-changing "magic" of electricity. Weaver has created strong, well-defined characters who sometimes act in unexpected ways. I found myself rooting for the Haugens as they faced prejudices and an imperfect justice system.

"Power & Light" is a great read from start to finish. It's a real page-turner. Highly recommended!

[Heidi Holtan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and this family, and the strong women created by Will Weaver.

[Emily Enger · Rating 5 out of 5]

After some time writing YA, Will Weaver has returned to his roots--writing historical adult novels that depict the harsh beauty of Scandinavian immigrants in the Midwest. Power & Light is a strong story, a fast-paced, wild ride through tragedy, revenge, and justice in the early 20th century. It has realistic but likeable characters you want to cheer for, and a plot that races--making the book hard to put down. I read the whole thing in 2 days!

[Mary Aalgaard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I felt like I’d gone back in time while reading this book. It feels so much like my own family’s story of immigrating from Norway, working the land, and life in a farming community. The four Haugen siblings are now on their own, with both parents dying relatively young. Emil, the eldest and only son, is now in charge of the farm and family. His three sisters, Dagmar, Sally, and Jenny work hard alongside him, and have aspirations of their own. Sally has plans to go to school to become a telegrapher until her plans are derailed by a terrible crime against her. As Jennny gets older, and bolder, she pursues justice for the crime. I read this book fairly quickly as I needed to find out what happens to these characters and if justice will be served. This is the first book in a two-book saga, so not all the loose ends are tied up neatly. I chose this book for my book club to read and discuss when I host in September. I think it will create good discussion on the immigrant experience, family stories, women’s roles and restrictions in the past, and justice. I’m looking forward to the discussion and Will’s next book in the series! I’ve long been a fan of Will Weaver and his stories. I’ve read most of them, and love “Sweetland” the movie and the musical produced by the History Theatre in St Paul, MN.

[Sharon Miltich · Rating 5 out of 5]

‘Power and Light’ is a compassionate story full of compelling characters who move from isolation to cautious interdependence in a time of change on the midwestern prairie. From the Haugen siblings—Emil, Dag, Sally, and Jenny—to little Rosalie, Mr. Bailey, Miss Benoit, the Rossi family, and the women of Skye, these are authentic, interesting people I would gladly follow through book after book.
There is, indeed, both power and light in Will Weaver’s straightforward, understated telling of one family’s struggle to survive, support one another, and stand strong beside their wronged sister in pursuit of truth and justice.
Along the way, the author’s deep kinesthetic feel for farm and town life on the northern plains resonates. Readers see, hear, and smell the cottonwoods; the pond with its cool water, leeches, and lily pads; the schoolhouse with its wood stove and dirt play yard; the sweat after chores; the grid of trails, line fences, culverts, and steel rails; the click, hum, scoop, or rattle of 1930’s technology as party lines, washing machines, tractors, or REA trucks connect and confound.
This talented writer continues to shine a light on the quiet courage of ordinary women and men who had work to do, and did it. Highly recommend.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Spoilers in this review)
Most compelling page-turner I’ve read in a long time.
Norwegian immigrant family moves to NE North Dakota. Hardscrabble life. Fathers drowns. Mom dies. Four kids (teen to adult) left to make a go of the farm.
Sally (17) is raped by the town doctor while under anesthesia, resulting in a pregnancy. Eventually a lawsuit is brought, which unexpected results.
Topics: immigration, farming, prejudice, rape, murder, revenge, rural electrification in the 1930s.
The only thing I didn’t like so much was the (it seemed to me) gratuitous sex with Jenny and the reporter). Did not add anything to the story and almost seems a little implausible.
I will definitely read more of his books. The author is a Minnesota man who logs in Bemidji, not far from where I grew up.

[Donna Yliniemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lately, my reading has been taking me back to the 1930s and 40s, the time when electricity was just entering the farms to usher them into the modern future. It was a time of change. Power and Light is a page-turner that revolves around a Norwegian farm family in Skye, ND. Sister Sally has been raped by a prominent doctor in the community and the story is about how to get justice for all parties. The book takes place in places very familiar to me because my mother grew up there during that time. I would recommend this to anyone who likes historical fiction and family stories.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of My favorite books of this year! I could not put it down. The story of a Norwegian immigrant family in Northern North Dakota and their life that revolves around getting electricity on their farmstead. It also focuses on a crime of rape that happened and how the family rallied together in spite of the community backlash to try bring justice to the victim. Moving and well written, I was unable to put this book down.

[Brian Duren · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Power and Light, Will Weaver did such a masterful job of drawing me into the minds and feelings of his characters and into the world they inhabit, whether it be in Norway during the early twentieth century or on the plains of North Dakota in the 1930s, that I felt as if I were living the story. And it was so deeply moving to read a book in which women, when wronged, assert themselves, demonstrate the power of their determination, and find their own light.

[Cassandra Sotelo · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Truth There Is Light and Power

I must admit, I knew very little about life in North Dakota, but learning about the Haugen family was at times hard to read, but also very compelling.
Thank you Mr. Weaver for this difficult yet beautiful story of an immigrant family and how they not only had to survive a harsh environment, but also a harsh social environment. Great story!

[Jeff Gallagher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wanted to really like this book as the setting in North Dakota was where my relatives came from. The first half of the book I struggled to get through as the sexual descriptions were not needed. The end of the book made up for my disappointment and I could not put the book down.

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Power & Light is about resilience and family, told with skillful storytelling and rich characters. A truly compelling read.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking, yet hopeful. Will Weaver's prose is wonderful!

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging story about a small town, family, and the strength of their quiet love for each other.

[Tonia Proudfoot-Klemetson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Omg this is so good!!

[Christina · Rating 5 out of 5]

A artfully told story about family, power, and resilience. This was an engrossing read that left me wanting to know more about the characters.

[Char Grell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read in one sitting. So good!