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Levi's Will
Will flees his Old Order community at the age of 19, leaving behind a pregnant girlfriend and all things Amish. He begins a new life, joining the army and later marrying and having two sons of his own. But his life and his new family are tainted by the hidden sins of his past. Hoping to patch things up with his father, Will takes his new family to meet the old one. Levi's Will is the haunting story of a fallen man seeking to build a bridge across three generations.
400 pages, Paperback
First published November 30, 2004
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925 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 197 reviews
January 7, 2020
Two weeks ago I read a W. Dale Cramer book called Sutter's Cross. Then I went on to read 2 or 3 more books (by different authors) that I can't even remember now because Sutter's Cross totally eclipsed them. So I thought... I'll read another Cramer book.
I just finished Levi's Will... and again, I'm so impressed. I love this man's writing. As soon as I finish this review I'll be starting Summer of Light.
What I didn't know as I read Levi's Will is that it is greatly based upon his own father's life: An Amish boy, finding himself in trouble, runs away, eventually joining the army. He lived for many years under the ban from his community, continuing to live as a non-Amish, raising a family the same.
I don't want to give away much of the story, but suffice it to say that I did not want to put this book down. I'm glad for the times I had to drive somewhere, or clean the kitchen, that I have text-to-speech on my Kindle to read to me so I didn't have to stop the story.
Mr. Cramer has a unique way of describing a scene, or person, or event that tickles anyone's imagination. Sometimes I had to laugh out loud in an empty house because the scene depicted was done so well.
AND... I just love when books are also at least partly true.
Read this book. It is FASCINATING.
Okay, now I off to read Summer of Light.
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Light-W-...
1/10/19...Addendum: I have probably read 550+ books since this one. Normally after a few months I completely forget books I’ve read, or if I remember reading them I can’t remember the synopsis. So after 4 1/2 years to say I still remember this book clearly says a lot! And, by the way, any book I’ve read by this author is worth reading. They’re so well written and fascinating.
I just finished Levi's Will... and again, I'm so impressed. I love this man's writing. As soon as I finish this review I'll be starting Summer of Light.
What I didn't know as I read Levi's Will is that it is greatly based upon his own father's life: An Amish boy, finding himself in trouble, runs away, eventually joining the army. He lived for many years under the ban from his community, continuing to live as a non-Amish, raising a family the same.
I don't want to give away much of the story, but suffice it to say that I did not want to put this book down. I'm glad for the times I had to drive somewhere, or clean the kitchen, that I have text-to-speech on my Kindle to read to me so I didn't have to stop the story.
Mr. Cramer has a unique way of describing a scene, or person, or event that tickles anyone's imagination. Sometimes I had to laugh out loud in an empty house because the scene depicted was done so well.
AND... I just love when books are also at least partly true.
Read this book. It is FASCINATING.
Okay, now I off to read Summer of Light.
http://www.amazon.com/Summer-Light-W-...
1/10/19...Addendum: I have probably read 550+ books since this one. Normally after a few months I completely forget books I’ve read, or if I remember reading them I can’t remember the synopsis. So after 4 1/2 years to say I still remember this book clearly says a lot! And, by the way, any book I’ve read by this author is worth reading. They’re so well written and fascinating.
March 11, 2023
Levi Mullet grew up Amish, the son of a stern, hard farmer. Having made a mistake he knows his father will never forgive, he runs away, leaving home and the Amish for many years. He marries and raises a family, but his heart is always drawn back toward his home - and his unforgiving father.
From the book jacket: Levi's Will is the haunting story of a fallen man seeking to reconcile the best of the old world with the lessons of the new, and in the process, building a bridge across three generations...Powerfully portrays the relationships between fathers and their children, the bitterness of rejection and the redeeming power of friendship, faith, and forgiveness.
Dale Cramer is a wonderful storyteller - the narrative pulls you in and keeps you reading, keeps you invested in the lives and stories of the characters, and in the end, gives you hope.
From the book jacket: Levi's Will is the haunting story of a fallen man seeking to reconcile the best of the old world with the lessons of the new, and in the process, building a bridge across three generations...Powerfully portrays the relationships between fathers and their children, the bitterness of rejection and the redeeming power of friendship, faith, and forgiveness.
Dale Cramer is a wonderful storyteller - the narrative pulls you in and keeps you reading, keeps you invested in the lives and stories of the characters, and in the end, gives you hope.
May 29, 2015
In 1943, Will Mullett leaves his pacifist Amish community and his domineering father to find a new life. He joins the military, marries, and starts his own family. He can't completely leave his roots behind him though, and after years of estrangement from his father, discovers he doesn't want to. Levi is slow to accept the return of his prodigal son, and Will's frustration with trying to earn his father's forgiveness affects his relationship with his own two sons, especially younger son Riley. It's not until Riley's life is hanging in the balance does Will begin to truly understand his father.
I really enjoyed this story. I've read quite a bit of Amish themed fiction, but this is not your typical story in this genre; it's not one of those that is all "fluff and romance"; in fact, there is barely any romance in this story at all; instead, it is a story that focuses on family relationships, especially that of father and son. Many of the issues that are touched on in this story could apply to any family in any culture, not just the Amish.
I really enjoyed this story. I've read quite a bit of Amish themed fiction, but this is not your typical story in this genre; it's not one of those that is all "fluff and romance"; in fact, there is barely any romance in this story at all; instead, it is a story that focuses on family relationships, especially that of father and son. Many of the issues that are touched on in this story could apply to any family in any culture, not just the Amish.
June 25, 2015
My most important piece of advice. BE SURE TO READ THE AFTERWORD WHEN YOU HAVE FINISHED THIS BOOK!!!
I don't always read forewords and afterwords when reading a book. If you skip the afterword, you will be missing a really important part of this book.
This book is loosely based on factual events. It is the story of a young Amish man who runs away from his family and community. He leaves behind a bitter father and a pregnant girl. After a brief stint in the army he spends the next forty years searching for understanding and forgiveness.
One of my favorite quotes from the book..."He begins to see that every man's failure dips its roots into the previous generation and drops its seeds into the next."
I don't always read forewords and afterwords when reading a book. If you skip the afterword, you will be missing a really important part of this book.
This book is loosely based on factual events. It is the story of a young Amish man who runs away from his family and community. He leaves behind a bitter father and a pregnant girl. After a brief stint in the army he spends the next forty years searching for understanding and forgiveness.
One of my favorite quotes from the book..."He begins to see that every man's failure dips its roots into the previous generation and drops its seeds into the next."
August 23, 2011
A great story. I loved that it was based on the life of the author's father. I found myself reading lots of sections to my wife, because of the humor that was woven into this sincere "prodigal son" story.
March 27, 2024
I found this book deeply moving as well as enjoyable. I have read and enjoyed four of the author's more recent books, but this one is far better.
There are Amish people in it and on the whole they are treated with respect and affection; however, this is about as far from an Amish romance as you can get.
It's about the Law and perfectionism and pride and love and grace and forgiveness. It's also about God, of course, but God is mentioned surprisingly seldom. I don't think a reader needs to be a Christian to enjoy or appreciate this book.
My favorite line is, "It had never occurred to him that God might not be Amish."
I expect to read it again.
There are Amish people in it and on the whole they are treated with respect and affection; however, this is about as far from an Amish romance as you can get.
It's about the Law and perfectionism and pride and love and grace and forgiveness. It's also about God, of course, but God is mentioned surprisingly seldom. I don't think a reader needs to be a Christian to enjoy or appreciate this book.
My favorite line is, "It had never occurred to him that God might not be Amish."
I expect to read it again.
October 8, 2025
I liked the way this story was told. It takes place over the course of not quite 3 days when Will and his younger son attend the funeral of Will's father Levi.
Over the course of those 3 days, we learn from Will's lapses into memory about the decades-long estrangement he'd had from his father and family and how the choices he'd made when he was 19 had repercussions that lasted not only in his own life, but in the life of his son.
At its heart, this is a story of God's redemptive power, and a poignant reminder that when we choose to forgive as God has so freely forgiven us, miracles happen.
4.5 stars
Over the course of those 3 days, we learn from Will's lapses into memory about the decades-long estrangement he'd had from his father and family and how the choices he'd made when he was 19 had repercussions that lasted not only in his own life, but in the life of his son.
At its heart, this is a story of God's redemptive power, and a poignant reminder that when we choose to forgive as God has so freely forgiven us, miracles happen.
4.5 stars
September 13, 2017
This book is more than just an older Amish family and life in that world, but it is basically a story about forgiveness on intergenerational lines. The good and bad of the ways of his childhood and the good and bad about his father's shunning, are inter-connected in the shunning of his own son Riley.
July 4, 2019
I’m a harsh critic and I don’t know how this book ended up in my “to read list” but, It was so much better than I expected. The characters were well developed. Such a good story, written well, emotional. The flashbacks are easy to follow and place the characters. Definitely recommended.
May 20, 2016
I’m a fairly eclectic reader (just check my Goodreads account for proof of that), so when confronted with a theme calling on me to pick out something completely different, I found myself at a bit of a loss. I decided to go with the “outside my comfort zone” side of things, and I picked up Levi’s Will by W. Dale Cramer. I read plenty of inspirationals, but I have often been candid about Amish books just not being my thing. I only had this 2005 novel in the TBR because a couple bloggers I respect had praised it to the skies. Having read it, I now see why.
The book opens on an Amish farm in the 1940s as 19 year old Will Mullett flees his father’s home together with his younger brother Tobe. The two eventually find their way south from Ohio, where they end up taking on various manual labor jobs to support themselves. Early on, we learn that Will has fled not only the Amish religion and way of life, but also an impending marriage. The young woman he was courting is now pregnant and Will is expected to marry her. Knowing this makes Will a more morally ambiguous and complicated hero than we normally find in inspirational fiction, watching him grow and grapple with larger questions of faith, morality, and identity makes this book a real standout.
So, what goes on in this book? Well, we follow Will from the 1940s to the 1980s as he escapes Amish society and gradually finds his way in the world. Given the time period, he is confronted right away with the realities of World War II. As an Amishman, no one would expect him to fight. However, as he takes on an “Englisher” identity, his existence in civilian life looks more and more unusual, and the pressure to go against the pacifism he was raised with and to join the military forms one of his first major inner conflicts.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://www.likesbooks.com/blog/?p=19106
The book opens on an Amish farm in the 1940s as 19 year old Will Mullett flees his father’s home together with his younger brother Tobe. The two eventually find their way south from Ohio, where they end up taking on various manual labor jobs to support themselves. Early on, we learn that Will has fled not only the Amish religion and way of life, but also an impending marriage. The young woman he was courting is now pregnant and Will is expected to marry her. Knowing this makes Will a more morally ambiguous and complicated hero than we normally find in inspirational fiction, watching him grow and grapple with larger questions of faith, morality, and identity makes this book a real standout.
So, what goes on in this book? Well, we follow Will from the 1940s to the 1980s as he escapes Amish society and gradually finds his way in the world. Given the time period, he is confronted right away with the realities of World War II. As an Amishman, no one would expect him to fight. However, as he takes on an “Englisher” identity, his existence in civilian life looks more and more unusual, and the pressure to go against the pacifism he was raised with and to join the military forms one of his first major inner conflicts.
This is a partial review. You can find the complete text at All About Romance: http://www.likesbooks.com/blog/?p=19106
November 3, 2015
As a general rule, I steer clear of Christian fiction. For the Amish, however, I will make an exception. I've always been fascinated by them, and curious about the stories of people who have experienced both the world as the Amish believe it to be, and how we "English" believe it to be.
I really enjoyed this novel--Cramer's writing is gentle and he weaves Will's story beautifully. This is the kind of book that works well as a long read over a few days or even a week or two. Sometimes that kind of book gets passed up for a book that you just can't put down, but there's something to be said for this kind of thoughtful book as well.
As someone who remains ambivalent about Christianity, I appreciated the light touch in this book. There's no preaching, no heavy-handed message. Just one simple one that rang very true to me: God loves us no matter what, and our ability to love others unconditionally is how we come to understand that. From reading other reviews I gather that this is a theme in Cramer's writing, so I will definitely be looking into reading his other books.
I really enjoyed this novel--Cramer's writing is gentle and he weaves Will's story beautifully. This is the kind of book that works well as a long read over a few days or even a week or two. Sometimes that kind of book gets passed up for a book that you just can't put down, but there's something to be said for this kind of thoughtful book as well.
As someone who remains ambivalent about Christianity, I appreciated the light touch in this book. There's no preaching, no heavy-handed message. Just one simple one that rang very true to me: God loves us no matter what, and our ability to love others unconditionally is how we come to understand that. From reading other reviews I gather that this is a theme in Cramer's writing, so I will definitely be looking into reading his other books.
May 31, 2015
Although this book touched me personally, it would not be everyone's favorite. I was into Amish books for awhile, having moved from PA to SC and being very homesick, I read them by the ton. This is my favorite of all those Amish books since it was the only one NOT told from the female point of view about star-crossed romances and family secrets magically resolved. It had more depth, character, and realism and felt as if I was reading a real man's autobiography instead of just fiction.
February 6, 2019
It was crazy.
I couldn't go any further. The characters were all mixed up. First, it said Tobe got killed. Then it was said it was Levi that was dead. Then Levi was talking to Will. Riley was a baby, and in the next part, Riley was driving Will to the funeral. Helen called and said she wasn't coming. Then all of a sudden, she was there with both her babies. It was crazy!!
I couldn't go any further. The characters were all mixed up. First, it said Tobe got killed. Then it was said it was Levi that was dead. Then Levi was talking to Will. Riley was a baby, and in the next part, Riley was driving Will to the funeral. Helen called and said she wasn't coming. Then all of a sudden, she was there with both her babies. It was crazy!!
September 28, 2015
This did not compare to the other books I've read by Dale Cramer. Very depressing for me and just wanted to hurry up and finish the book so I could return it to the library. Struggle b/w father and son, sin, forgiveness.
May 28, 2013
I have read other Dale Cramer books that I liked, but this one was just so slow moving that I couldn't get into it. I gave up after 100 pages.
July 3, 2017
A surprising eye-opener on how the Amish practice of "bundling" can be used to "entrap" Amish teens into joining the church because of pregnancy!
April 8, 2015
I didn't like any of the main characters. The story was depressing, and hardly anything good happened.
September 16, 2017
Levi is the head of an Ohio Amish family. He's stern, unyielding,
& very strict. Not being able to live with his father any longer,
Will leaves while everyone is asleep. He's 19. He jumps into a
train's cattle car where a hobo is already riding. The hobo advises
him, if he doesn't want to be found he should never give his real
name or trust anybody. He puts on "Englisher" clothes & changes
from his bowl haircut to something more commonly seen.
He joins the army, gets married, & has two sons.
Years later he returns to Ohio to see his family. He's told that
they th0ught he was dead. That is all his father says to him,
nothing more. He has been "banned" by the church community
& is being "shunned". He's not allowed to sit at the family
table. He has to sit alone in a corner of the kitchen at a card
table.
When he ran away at 19, he left a pregnant girlfriend behind.
The mother died & the child is being raised by Will's sister as
if she was her own & is unaware that Will is her father.
It is interesting how Will suffers & tries to rectify his sins to be
accepted back into the family & community.
The book tells of the three generations of males & how the sins
of the fathers have affected the lives of the sons.
I enjoyed all 583 pages of this large print paperback book.
& very strict. Not being able to live with his father any longer,
Will leaves while everyone is asleep. He's 19. He jumps into a
train's cattle car where a hobo is already riding. The hobo advises
him, if he doesn't want to be found he should never give his real
name or trust anybody. He puts on "Englisher" clothes & changes
from his bowl haircut to something more commonly seen.
He joins the army, gets married, & has two sons.
Years later he returns to Ohio to see his family. He's told that
they th0ught he was dead. That is all his father says to him,
nothing more. He has been "banned" by the church community
& is being "shunned". He's not allowed to sit at the family
table. He has to sit alone in a corner of the kitchen at a card
table.
When he ran away at 19, he left a pregnant girlfriend behind.
The mother died & the child is being raised by Will's sister as
if she was her own & is unaware that Will is her father.
It is interesting how Will suffers & tries to rectify his sins to be
accepted back into the family & community.
The book tells of the three generations of males & how the sins
of the fathers have affected the lives of the sons.
I enjoyed all 583 pages of this large print paperback book.
January 18, 2019
Levi’s Will
A heart-warming story of forgiveness and grace, this book is based on the true life of the author’s father who left his Amish family in disgrace and lived apart from his roots for many years. The father’s name in this fictional tale is Will, and his father’s name is Levi. I love the name of the book, because it can refer to Levi’s son Will or Levi’s stubborn will not to forgive his banned son.
Unlike many other books with Amish characters, Levi’s Will does not portray a romanticized picture; rather, it is grittier and probably more realistic without being crude. It took me a while to realize that the author is a Christian, because although references to God are made by people in the story, it is not an obvious attempt to convert the reader. Cramer does sneak the gospel in with one sentence spoken at a funeral, but otherwise the story is about Will.
And what a good story it is! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and was blessed to tears when I read the author’s Afterword. Friends, you are going to want to read this one.
A heart-warming story of forgiveness and grace, this book is based on the true life of the author’s father who left his Amish family in disgrace and lived apart from his roots for many years. The father’s name in this fictional tale is Will, and his father’s name is Levi. I love the name of the book, because it can refer to Levi’s son Will or Levi’s stubborn will not to forgive his banned son.
Unlike many other books with Amish characters, Levi’s Will does not portray a romanticized picture; rather, it is grittier and probably more realistic without being crude. It took me a while to realize that the author is a Christian, because although references to God are made by people in the story, it is not an obvious attempt to convert the reader. Cramer does sneak the gospel in with one sentence spoken at a funeral, but otherwise the story is about Will.
And what a good story it is! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and was blessed to tears when I read the author’s Afterword. Friends, you are going to want to read this one.
August 10, 2023
This was a pretty good story. I was a bit worried that it would be a typical kind of Amish story but it wasn't. Will grew up in an Amish family, but at the age of 19 he ran off with his younger brother Tobe. Will left a trail of lies when he took another name, just in case his father or other order members decided to come after them. The boys got jobs and worked hard. It was during war time and Will began to feel that people were looking at him wondering why he wasn't off fighting. Will had been telling people he was younger than he was to avoid arguments. He began to fell guilty so took off and joined the army.
The rest of the story follows his journey to find his wife and the journey back to seeing his family. He wanted to make amends with his father. Will experienced great loss and difficulty with coming to terms with the conflict between Amish and English ways of life. It is an interesting way of life that, if you are aware of the communities of Amish, seems so very different and alien to us Englishers.
The rest of the story follows his journey to find his wife and the journey back to seeing his family. He wanted to make amends with his father. Will experienced great loss and difficulty with coming to terms with the conflict between Amish and English ways of life. It is an interesting way of life that, if you are aware of the communities of Amish, seems so very different and alien to us Englishers.
August 27, 2024
I've read a few Amish fiction books before, and they all kind of felt the same, basically just a little twist on the Christian fiction genre. This one was remarkably different - believable characters, good historical bits, and pleasantly devoid of romance. I think I'll probably read another book by the author, not something I typically do for a 3-star book.
So why only three stars? Because when I was reading it and someone asked how my book was, I shrugged and said, "It's okay." And when it was time to go to the library, I wasn't quite done with this book, but I sat down and quickly read/skimmed the last few chapters so I could return it. Four and five star books don't get shrug answers or sit around overnight with only 10 minutes of reading left in them.
So why only three stars? Because when I was reading it and someone asked how my book was, I shrugged and said, "It's okay." And when it was time to go to the library, I wasn't quite done with this book, but I sat down and quickly read/skimmed the last few chapters so I could return it. Four and five star books don't get shrug answers or sit around overnight with only 10 minutes of reading left in them.
December 7, 2022
I just discovered this Author and I’m so glad that I did. I just finished reading the daughters of Caleb Bender series. It wasn’t very comfortable with part of the ending. Thinking that there really should’ve been a fourth book. And then as I’m reading other peoples reviews I see that there was kinda. This book is loosely based on a true story about the authors family and it’s what happens after The end of the daughters of Caleb bender series.
Although this can certainly be read on its own I highly recommend you read the other series 1st. For one thing I think it would change your opinion about Levi. Also I would absolutely recommend reading the afterward it explains so much
Although this can certainly be read on its own I highly recommend you read the other series 1st. For one thing I think it would change your opinion about Levi. Also I would absolutely recommend reading the afterward it explains so much
August 4, 2017
Wow! The story of how a an Amish boy runs away from home and starts another life compounded with secrets about his past life is woven so well that the reader understands his plight and how it affects his English family and his Amish family. The author weaves together details from both worlds and the choices the boy makes throughout his life so that we end up learning about the south, the Amish, the army, life as a workingman .... the list goes on from one generation to another. We learn that decisions have consequences that are far reaching, no matter what life style we choose. Also that family ties, or lack of them, reverberates through the generations. I will read more from W. Dale Cramer!
February 27, 2022
Yet another amazing 25cent garage sale find! I enjoyed reading a story about Amish culture that was mixed with a lot of 'hot button' topics i.e. mental health, war, veteran struggles both physical and mental, addiction, marriage longevity. Every timeline in the book had purpose and flowed well with the storyline. The chapters flipped from past to present but it was always clear and made me want to keep reading on as more secrets were revealed and answered. Looking forward to reading another novel by Cramer in the future.
October 14, 2017
I picked this book up for 50 cents at a thrift store thinking, "what have I got to lose". As it was published by Bethany Publishers, I knew it would have a religious bend to it, and generally I avoid this genre. However, much to my surprise, I enjoyed this book a lot. It was well written I thought, and had a exciting and entertaining plot line with enough real life issues thrown in to make it a credible tale. I really felt empathy with and for the main character, having left my own religious "community" as a young adult(although not in such dramatic circumstances or from the same type of community, but from one with similar fundamentalist teachings) I will seek out another of this author's books as I did enjoy his style.
February 15, 2018
After having read the first Paradoxe Valley series, I was looking forward to reading this book (I didn’t realize until later that this is book two in this second series). Even with one of my favorite narrators, George Guidall, this has been so incredibly boring. I give three stars to this book. (1) Author’s superb writing skills, (2) narrator’s wonderful performance, and (3) overall impression.
February 23, 2018
This was a thoughtful story of the Amish tradition, family dynamics and struggles, and the coming of Faith in God. It is told from the heart of the central character without a preaching style. The backdrop is the historical period from World. War II, through the Korean War until after the Vietnamese war. It was uplifting yet realistic. Well with being noted as a “good read.”
May 18, 2018
I have a deep love of good Novels. This is one of the best ones I've ever read. This says a lot. Its a believable story because its based in the truth. This was an uncommon Amish Novel. Very good and I will no doubt read it many times in the future. And I've found a new author to read everything written by.
January 18, 2019
Kin
Levi is a church member in good standing with his Old Order Amish church. His son Will never feels his father's approval. Will find away, changes his name, and joins the Army. No self respecting Amish man would ever become a soldier. Years pass before Father and son see each , and make peace.
Levi is a church member in good standing with his Old Order Amish church. His son Will never feels his father's approval. Will find away, changes his name, and joins the Army. No self respecting Amish man would ever become a soldier. Years pass before Father and son see each , and make peace.
February 25, 2019
I was put off at the beginning when he said the Amish were speaking Dutch. I felt like he hadn't done his research, but I decided to read it anyway. His writing is good and he weaves a good tale. In spite of repeated references to Dutch speaking which annoyed me I found myself captured by his characters and his storyline. Overall I enjoyed the book very much.
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