The Light: Tales From a Revolution - New-Jersey

Tales from a Revolution

by Lars D.H. Hedbor

As his world erupts in open warfare, Robert Harris’ Quaker faith guides him away from the use of violence for any purpose, even if the war could lead to the loss of his freedom to practice that faith. Finding a balancing point between this existential threat and the commands of his inner light, while struggling against the chance effects of war, Robert must also face the challenge of an implacable foe, determined to destroy him at any cost. He must rely on the quiet guidance of his conscience to keep his family safe, and lead them to freedom

Genres: Audiobook, Historical Fiction, American Revolution

209 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 11, 2013

About the author

What made the American Colonists turn their back on their King, and fight for independence? How were they different from us–and how were their hopes and fears familiar to our own hearts?

These are the sorts of questions that I think are important to ask in examining the American Revolution, and in the pages of my novels, I suggest some possible answers.

I am an amateur historian, linguist, cuckoo clock restorer, brewer, fiddler, astronomer and baker. Professionally, I am a technologist, marketer, writer and father of six.

My love of history drives me to share the excitement of understanding the events of long ago, and how those events touch us still today.

Reviews

[Michelle Isenhoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lars D. Hedbor, author of The Prize, which details Revolutionary War activities on and around Lake Champlain, has just come out with a second novel in his Tales from a Revolution series. The Light features Washington’s crossing of the Delaware. While that particular event may be well known to every American, the details surrounding it are less so, and the day-to-day experiences of life within the Hessian-occupied town of Trenton, New Jersey are rarely even contemplated by casual students of history. Yet that is exactly where Mr. Hedbor places his hero. It proves to be a superb setting for bringing the human element of the war to life, which is given a unique twist by the fact that Robert Harris is a Quaker.

Though the Society of Friends are peace-loving folks, Robert sympathizes strongly with the colonists against the abuses of the king. His father, and the Society in general, promotes peace at any cost, but Robert sees their compliance with British law as dangerous. If the king, whose rule in Britain is characterized by forced membership in the Church of England, were to gain his immediate will in the colonies, what would stop him from eventually revoking religious freedom in America as well? To do nothing, Robert fears, would perpetrate an evil greater than resistance. This recurring conflict between inner principle and politics adds wonderful interest to this tale.

I must take a moment and emphasize the beauty of Hedbor’s prose. Each sentence is weighty, substantial and artful. I have a list of two dozen word pictures and analogies that I’d love to quote because they’re so spot-on, but in the interest of space I’ll suffice to simply mention them. Once again Mr. Hedbor draws on a gift for authentic vernacular. This drawn-out language strengthens the sense of setting tremendously. If you ever read letters, speeches or diaries from the era, you’ll find such language common.

One thing I truly appreciate about Hedbor’s novel is the fantastic job he does placing the Revolution within a connected range of history. This gives it a context often missed by students who study history in broken units. He rightly begins British and colonial hostilities with the French and Indian War, which concluded only a decade before events heated up in Boston. It was this war that caused the crown’s need for income, which resulted in the taxation that so incensed the colonists. He also ties in with later history by showing the already-present division on the issue of slavery.

In conclusion, I thoroughly enjoyed The Light, and I would recommend it for others interested in substantial historical fiction. Like The Prize, it is intended for adults, but I think it's entirely palatable by young adults who appreciate the genre. I do think I would discourage readers under fifteen or so for a few reasons: the vocabulary is advanced, the dialogue is potentially difficult, and the story is of a pace and weight that would probably be above their level of interest. But for those who love to experience the human “story” within “history,” I give this one another hearty thumbs-up.

[Troy Ciesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is only one way to describe this book: simply phenomenal. The historical point of view is one I wasn't familiar with (The Quakers) and I was skeptical at first. How could a book about the American Revolution focus on a people that shunned violence?

This book opened my mind to the fact that inner turmoil can be just as heart-wrenching and action-packed as a battle. I definitely felt like I was right there with the characters, and was consciously weighing their moral dilemmas in my mind as if they were my own.

Hedbor also does a great job of placing the story-line parallel to historical events, instead of reliant upon them. I had posted in a review of his first book, The Prize (also a must-read) that it didn't tie into the main conflict enough. I understand now that the main conflict is not necessarily the war itself - it's how the American people dealt with the chaos thrown on their simple, everyday lives.

It's brilliant. It's educational. It's a great story-line. And it's a book everyone interested in social history should read. I will undoubtedly read every book in the Tales from a Revolution series Hedbor has to offer - and you should, too!

[Malia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great novel by Lars Hedbor!

Once again he has opened up a new world to me through a different perspective of the American Revolution. This time it is from the viewpoint of a Quaker who attempts to stay true to his own religious beliefs but accepts that the world around him is changing and he has to find his place in this new world.

Just like in The Prize, Hedbor’s first novel, where my interest was piqué into learning more about the American Revolution. I am now curious to learn more about the Quakers and understanding their religious beliefs.

Thank you, Lars, for writing such interesting and captivating novels. I can’t wait to see what else I will learn as the "Tales from a Revolution" continues.

[Paula Dyches · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read the first book in this series and really enjoyed that one so I was excited for this one... overall I still really like this one but it wasn't the same style as the first book. Instead of the modern twist with the flash backs in time like the first book, this one was just set book during the Revolution. It tells the story of a family of Quakers and what the war looks like within their faith and the surrounding community. The old/formal way they spoke made it a little hard to listen to but I think the author did a good job trying to keep it authentic. Although I like the first book more I still really enjoyed this one and would recommend to those that like a good historical fiction. 

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[Mv · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book I’ve read/listened to by this author and I would listen to another. Previously listened to The Declaration.

Like in The Declaration, the characters in this story are not conveniently placed in areas of importance that have a poignant effect on the times. They could be any average person happening to be alive during this era. Their lives are, of course, influenced by the turmoil around them. This book gives a wonderful glimpse into a realistic scenario and the possible upheaval in peoples lives during the beginning of the American Revolution. It centres around a Quaker, Robert, who struggles with his religious beliefs, and a feeling of wrongdoing by the English Crown and soldiers. His livelihood is threatened many times. He relies on a few friends, and together they attempt to navigate through the upheaval and injustices while determining where their beliefs and tolerances lie.

This is the second book I’ve listened to by this narrator (Shamaan Casey), who also did the first book in this series) and I would listen to another. His attempt at an Irish accent was awkward, but his female characters were well done. I enjoyed the tone of his voice.

There are no explicit sex scenes, excessive violence or swearing.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and voluntarily left this unbiased review.
Please feel free to comment on whether you found my review helpful.

Story 5/5
Performance 4/5

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: Even though this is Book 2 in the series, it works perfectly as a stand alone.

The American Revolution was always such a boring topic in high school. Taught by dates and numbers and famous documents, it was a very dry subject. No more! Hedbor is bringing this bit of history to life. I quite enjoyed The Light, and that was unexpected. I did worry that this story might be a little preachy since the main character, Robert, is a devoted Quaker. Yet Hedbor did a really great job of getting Robert’s inner feelings and motivations across without ramming Robert’s personal beliefs down the reader’s throat.

The tale covers a lot of ground without feeling rushed. Robert has a serious falling out with his father, Peter, over their shared faith. Indeed, Robert goes on to become one of the New Quakers. Religion was an important facet to the lives of many people and for some the right to worship as they wish became their core belief.

Then we see Robert’s professional life. He’s a blacksmith and he has dealings with some Irish brothers (Angus and Rufus). He also has to make some hard choices about supplying the local English soldiers, or not. Or rather, will he supply only non-weapons, or will he make canon balls and the like? Robert’s firm belief in non-violence is his guiding principle, yet he has his wife and daughter to think of too. It’s a great conundrum to place our main character in.

The one weakness to this story is that the ladies are few and far between. They are only the home makers and comforters. In short, they don’t affect the plot. The author could have left them out and the story wouldn’t be different. So, sigh…. We all know women did more than clean, cook, and bear children during the American Revolution. Rebecca is Robert’s daughter. Then there’s Mary and Margaret. One is Robert’s wife and the other is his mom and I can’t recall who is who.

OK, back to the good stuff. There’s more drama as the first volleys of the American Revolution occur. I liked that we got to see them or hear about them from the characters, since they weren’t directly involved in the fighting. Yet they are definitely affected by all of it – the politics, the fighting, the change in commerce, etc.

I also like that the author held to some language norms of the time, using thee and thy and thou as appropriate. His little note on language and more at the end was great too. I always appreciate hearing why a historian chose this or that for a good story. 4/5 stars.

The Narration: Shamaan Casey certainly has an engaging voice. His deep voice reminds me strongly of Stefan Rudnicki, a favorite narrator of mine. He was great with the characters’ voices, keeping everyone distinct and imbuing them with emotion. I liked his regional accents. His female character voices were also feminine. The one weakness is in the technical recording. The volume does change here and there, and a few spots sound just a little like they were recorded in a cavern. So the technical side could use a little polishing. 4/5 stars.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are truly my own.

[Angie Thompson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was so disappointed that I wasn't able to finish this book. The writing was excellent, the characters were believable, the conflict was riveting, but I really, really have a problem with profanity in my reading. Honestly, I gave this book more grace than most because of the historical context, but when I hit the third instance about 3/5 of the way in, I had to put it down.

I really mean it when I say I was very sad not to finish it. The writing was amazing; it felt more like reading a period book than a modern historical fiction, with none of the awkwardness that often comes when modern writers try to emulate an older style. The omniscient POV flowed really well without giving the feeling of head-hopping. The dialogue felt both realistic for the period and natural to the characters, which is a very rare thing for books in this setting--especially with the Quaker speech thrown in. Overall, I was very, very impressed with the writing style.

The characters came across very realistic, and I felt like I understood most of their feelings and conclusions, even when I didn't always agree with them. And while I didn't understand absolutely everyone, those that I didn't understand didn't feel like badly-drawn characters--more like the people you meet in real life and wonder, "What on earth were they thinking?" Some of their motivations might also have become clearer if I'd read all the way to the end.

The setting felt absolutely spot-on and made me consider new aspects of what life would have been like during the Revolution--people still going about their business, sometimes affected by the war and sometimes not. I thought the author captured that balance extremely well. All the complexity with the split in the Quaker church was quite interesting. I've read just a little about Quaker doctrine (some of which I agree with and some of which I don't), but I was a little taken aback at the use of "the inner light" to the complete exclusion of even the name of God. I'm not sure how accurate that is, but it did bother me a little.

If not for the profanities, I'd have given this at least a solid four star rating at the time that I stopped. Please note that the low rating is entirely based on my personal preferences and convictions, not on the quality of the story or the writing. The book is very well done; I just can't in good conscience recommend it.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the author. A positive review was not required. All opinions are my own.

[Anna Zehr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book with the thought of adding it to our school library. I'm not sure why I thought it was a children's book because it's not. It might appeal to high school students who absolutely love history.

I find this author's choice of writing a series of books on one event, the American Revolution, focusing on common people, (free Quakers in this book) to be quite appealing. The book seemed well-researched and the plot, with its interesting twists, was compelling to me.

This book was ok (3.5 stars) but not great and I'm still not sure why. Perhaps there was too much dialogue, which felt somewhat stiff in the audiobook I listened to. I'm still not sure if it was the fault of the author or the audiobook narrator. The Quaker "thees and thous" contributed to the stilted nature of the dialogue but that wasn't the only problem with it. I felt like an onlooker throughout the whole book; the author didn't quite succeed in bringing me into the book, inside the mind of the main character.

Despite what felt like a weak writing style to me, the theme, plot, historicity, and unique perspective given in this book make me want to give this author another chance. I'm going to try some more books in this series.

I noticed another reviewer stopped reading this book because of the profanities. This really surprised me because I didn't hear any as I listened to the book and I think I would have noticed. Just wanted to mention this since there aren't currently many reviews on this book.

[Lisl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having established himself, with The Prize, as an able and talented author of historical fiction set in Revolutionary America, Lars D.H. Hedbor presents to us more of this era from the perspective of another colonial citizen. This time round the author of The Light sets his tale in New Jersey, where many of the events lead up to General Washington’s famous crossing of the Delaware.

Hedbor writes his novels as events that occur alongside the Revolution, putting the spotlight on ordinary people and in the process giving us an authentic glimpse into what life was like for those such as ourselves. While Washington is referenced several times in the course of the story—and the thrill of this is palpable for characters and readers alike—Robert Harris and those around him are the real stars of the show.

Robert is a well-regarded blacksmith in Colonial Trenton, though as a devout Quaker he faces a crushing choice in light of his and his community’s circumstance. As a peace-loving people, the Society of Friends abhor the use of violence, and decline to take part in activities against the king’s rule. However, as Robert predicts, there will come a time when they no longer will be able to ignore the abuses committed against the colonists, as their freedoms, including that of religious observance, will be stripped away. His own father has spoken with their worship group and suggested Robert be “read out” of their meeting—that is to say, denied participation in Society of Friends’ fellowship.

Creating a Quaker protagonist is a marvelous choice, not merely for the sake of diversity, but also because it reveals the colonies’ complex nature. Having to flesh out the significance of revolutionary activities from a variety of perspectives tells a much larger story of how a small and ragtag army took on a superpower and won. Hedbor also has Quakers in The Light utilize speech that includes such linguistic features as the familiar first-person singular pronoun thou (you at the time being the plural form). This was a familiar address they engage, regardless who they are talking with, to indicate their belief in the equality of all, in opposition to the practice of the time in which thou was used to address one’s social inferiors. An intriguing word in the author’s end notes informs readers of the difference between this and modern-day usage, which exists minus the corresponding verb forms (typically ending in st ).

"Father, [Robert said angrily, "]thou knowest that the King and Parliament are committing violence against these colonies, in contravention of all commitments to respect the freedoms we are due as Englishmen. How long can it be before they sweep away all of their commitments, and we are forced to attend services in the King’s churches, or to tolerate the keeping of slaves by our neighbors? If they can change their word so easily in one matter, what stops them from all things being malleable in their hands?

Nevertheless, Peter insists upon Robert’s return to Quaker ways or be read out, and the narrative foreshadows the establishment of the Free Quakers, a schism supportive of the rebels but keen to maintain relationship with their inner light, a metaphor referring to the light and guidance of Christ. In meeting, Quakers meditate upon the Bible, and when they feel the presence of Christ in their heart, they address their peers. Robert’s friend Charles later voices his fear of exclusion from this setting in following their conscience, but also for the group as a whole: “What have we to gain by staying within a community that fails to act in its own defense?” Robert later concurs, wearily stating that “the only peace they are working toward at present is the silent slumber of the grave.”

Hedbor’s dialogue from opposing sides is remarkable as he manages to articulate perspectives from all involved parties, credible in tone as well as word. Though many of us might find for Robert in this situation, Peter and the others’ objections are persuasive, and readers are given an exceptionally effective view to how truly difficult it was to quit one’s own community, and the losses they face no matter which way they turn.

On another level—as if the possibility of war and break from everything one holds dear isn’t enough—Robert faces conflict with a fellow colonial and businessman determined to undermine him. The dual plots run parallel as events carry Robert, friends and family from one instance to the next, not realizing all the while how intertwined it all really is. The author successfully brings us through Robert’s wins and losses, touching on themes such as patriotism, defense, justice, punishment, compassion, responsibility, acceptance and community. Though there are no actual battle scenes, Hedbor illuminates the inner turmoil of one set of individuals, and the warring that occurs within one’s self.

As is true of The Prize, Hedbor crafts a magnificent story that stays fresh, captivates and thrills, with beautiful prose of his own and at least one famous quote recognizable by every American: “Now we have our freedom again, if we can but keep it.” The passions of the characters are acutely felt, and readers sense the rising glory of Charles’s joy, and indeed will share his sentiment that it is an “exciting day to be an American and a patriot”—or anyone at all who cherishes freedom. That the author manages to skillfully pack all of this and more into less than 200 pages is a testament to his ability to write with economy, still telling a story larger than any of us could imagine living.

As a final note pertaining to dialogue and prose, Hedbor’s is amongst the finest. Poetic at times,

He quietly left the house, breathing in the crisp morning air as the world around him seemed to stretch its limbs and welcome another day.

fluid and smooth in its transitions, readers are likely to complete The Light in short order (perhaps excepting young adult readers, to whom I highly recommend this tale as one not likely to be learned in any classroom), while retaining a sense of longing for more of these stories. To that end they shall not be disappointed, as Hedbor has several more of these treasures telling stories of some early inhabitants of our nation, a collection not to be missed.

[Emmy · Rating 3 out of 5]

•audiobook•

This was the third book in the series I downloaded, but the fifth (and at the time, last one available on audible) I completed.

Each book is a stand alone and none of the characters cross over into the others. So it’s easy to listen and follow in any order. Also, each book’s style and POV is unique.

I especially liked the language in this book, oft noted as Olde or Proper English. It added to the authenticity and easily helped the reader/listener slip back in time.

As much as I liked the story, it was difficult to really love this book. I’m baffled why I didn’t gobble this up - it was the shortest one!

I stopped and started it numerous times in the two and half months, but it was just kind of dry? Idk.

Shamaan is a stellar voice actor and I hope he continues to gain more recognition and accepts more books to narrate!

[Deedra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audible:I found this story to be very interesting.I never gave the Quaker plight in the Revolution much thought.I just figured they went their own way and were left alone.Not so.It is also a story of family,the bad,the good and what war can do to it.I think Teens and younger would get a lot from listening to or reading this book.Shamaan Casey was a very good narrator.I was given this book by the narrator,author or publisher free for an honest review.

[Victoria Haugen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was taken from my car (I listen on my daily commute) into the power of the Revolutionary War, it was captivating! I really enjoyed the writing, and I was interested from start to finish. Beautifully written and beautifully narrated, I was very happy with this audiobook and I'd definitely recommend it. I think all ages would love it! Well done!
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

[TRICIA POTTER · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insightful story of Quakers & the American Revolution

Interesting story about Quaker life during the Revolution in New Jersey. The challenges and divisiveness in adhering to one’s beliefs of nonviolence during a war when theirs and others’ lives were at great risk. I did struggle with all of the thees and thous, trying to let the story flow in my mind while not getting hung up in the dialect. All in all, a good read.

[Dave Churchill · Rating 2 out of 5]

I found the book to be very slow and tedious. I’m going to try one mow book in the series before committing to reading the whole series.

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where Amazon got the idea that this is a children's book is incomprehensible to me, unless it's because there is no erotica or repetitive use of the f bomb.
This well researched and crafted novella explores the personal conflicts of a Quaker blacksmith/son/husband/father/friend whose convictions lead him to believe in the Patriot cause and the problems caused by his stance among the congregation as well as those caused by an amoral man whose only cause was himself. The plot is ingenious and very well done. I thought that using the perspective of the townsfolk on December 26, 1776 was inspired!
In spite of our family's years in the Northwest Territory Alliance and being a history addict, I never really thought a whole lot about the personal problems this group faced (think Major General Nathaniel Green, or the YA book Buttons for General Washington and a number of others both fiction and nonfiction).
Shamaan Casey has an excellent and remarkable manner of narrating with his mesmerizing voice!
I requested and received a free audio copy via AudioBookBOOM.

[Jody Robinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again Lars has taken ordinary people and told about their lives in extraordinary times. I have learned much about the beginning of our country and I think that this series of books should be in schools. This book and this series are suitable for all ages, enjoyable to read and lots to learn in the books.

[Kate Hornstein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice look at Quakers' struggles during the American Revolution. Liked the idea of the Free Quakers wanting to create boundaries against "evil."