Northern Lights
by Raymond Strom
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Pub Date Feb 12 2019 | Archive Date Feb 12 2019
Description
On a clear morning in the summer of 1997, Shane Stephenson arrives in Holm, Minnesota, with only a few changes of clothes, an old Nintendo, and a few dollars to his name. Reeling from the death of his father, Shane wants to find the mother who abandoned him as an adolescent—hoping to reconnect, but also to better understand himself. Against the backdrop of Minnesota’s rugged wilderness, and a town littered with shuttered shops, graffiti, and crumbling infrastructure, Holm feels wild and dangerous.
Holm’s residents, too, are wary of outsiders, and Shane’s long blonde hair and androgynous looks draw attention from a violent and bigoted contingent in town, including the unhinged Sven Svenson. He is drawn in by a group of sympathetic friends in their teens and early twenties, all similarly lost and frequent drug users: the reckless, charming J and his girlfriend Mary; Jenny, a brilliant and beautiful artist who dreams of escaping Holm; and the mysterious loner Russell, with whom Shane, against his better judgment, feels a strange attraction. As Sven’s threats of violence escalate, Shane is forced to choose between his search for his mother, the first true friendships he’s ever had, and a desire to leave both his past and present behind entirely.
At its core, Northern Lights is the story of a son searching for his mother, and for a connection with her, dealing with issues of abandonment and forgiveness. But it also addresses the complications, tensions, and dysfunction that can exist in those relationships, presenting an unforgettable world and experience often overlooked, with a new kind of hero to admire.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781501190292 |
| PRICE | $26.00 (USD) |
| PAGES | 272 |
Featured Reviews
Jackie T, Reviewer
Shane is an androgynous young man who comes to Holm in search of not only his errant mother, but also himself. Shane meets Jenny and Roger, other young people also searching for a meaningful life. The author ably evokes Shane's wistful longing for a lost childhood while giving us hope for Shane's future
Kimberley B, Reviewer
Northern Lights is a teenage coming of age story about Shane, a recent high school graduate. At a very young age, Shane was abandoned by his mom. His dad raised him, but when his dad passes away, Shane is left to live with his uncle. An uncle who is less than understanding about Shane’s long hair and teenage ways.
I found this book to be pretty powerful about what it’s like to be a teenager in a small town. Shane has long hair which seems to frighten or offend most of the people in the town. He goes looking for his mom in yet another small town, befriends some locals, and gets a job. Shane finds himself involved with a teenage girl who has an affinity for drugs and shoplifting. He’s unsettled about his own sexuality when he meets Russell, a teenage alcoholic who is also unsure about his sexuality.
This book definitely has more adult themes, but I can see why teenagers would relate to it. There are parts of it that are extremely painful, and parts that are joyous. Shane’s quest to find his mom is a relatable one. Who wouldn’t want to find out why she ran off leaving him just a card and a $100 bill?
Strom has written a novel that isn’t an easy read, but for me, a fascinating look at what it’s like to be young in today’s world. Especially in a very small town without many prospects. In many ways it reminds me of Go Ask Alice, which opened eyes in so many ways. I would caution that this is not a book for early teens, but definitely older teens and adults.
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