Northern Lights is the debut novel of Tim O'Brien. The novel, originally published in August 1975, focuses on the relationship of two brothers. Much of the plot is set during a cross-country ski trip.
Initial reviews of Northern Lights were mixed, but many critics noted the heavy influence of Ernest Hemingway upon the style, mood, and tone of the novel. One critic observed that OâÂÂBrienâÂÂs writing style in this novel is a âÂÂdeliberate parodyâ of Hemingway.
Upon its publication in 1975, Kirkus Reviews wrote that:
Alasdair Maclean, in the Times Literary Supplement, concluded that "O'Brien's ambition outreaches his gifts."
At the time of its publication, Northern Lights was generally seen as a promising debut novel from a young writer. After a 50 year writing career (as of 2023), itâÂÂs now viewed as perhaps OâÂÂBrienâÂÂs most flawed book.