Our Souls at Night: A novel
A spare yet eloquent, bittersweet yet inspiring story of a man and a woman who, in advanced age, come together to wrestle with the events of their lives and their hopes for the imminent future.
In the familiar setting of Holt, Colorado, home to all of Kent Haruf’s inimitable fiction, Addie Moore pays an unexpected visit to a neighbor, Louis Waters. Her husband died years ago, as did his wife, and in such a small town they naturally have known of each other for decades; in fact, Addie was quite fond of Louis’s wife. His daughter lives hours away in Colorado Springs, her son even farther away in Grand Junction, and Addie and Louis have long been living alone in houses now empty of family, the nights so terribly lonely, especially with no one to talk with.
Their brave adventures—their pleasures and their difficulties—are hugely involving and truly resonant, making Our Souls at Night the perfect final installment to this beloved writer’s enduring contribution to American literature.
In the familiar setting of Holt, Colorado, home to all of Kent Haruf’s inimitable fiction, Addie Moore pays an unexpected visit to a neighbor, Louis Waters. Her husband died years ago, as did his wife, and in such a small town they naturally have known of each other for decades; in fact, Addie was quite fond of Louis’s wife. His daughter lives hours away in Colorado Springs, her son even farther away in Grand Junction, and Addie and Louis have long been living alone in houses now empty of family, the nights so terribly lonely, especially with no one to talk with.
Their brave adventures—their pleasures and their difficulties—are hugely involving and truly resonant, making Our Souls at Night the perfect final installment to this beloved writer’s enduring contribution to American literature.
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Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
179 pages
What’s it about?
This is a love story set in a small Western town. Two elderly, lonely people make a conscious decision to spend time together at night, when they are the most alone.
What did I think?
I really like Kent Haruf’s writing style. It is sparse and economical, yet he always conveys great depth. This was his last novel before he died. I loved "Plainsong". This last book is almost like reading a lengthy version of a short story.
Should you read it?
I am a sucker for a good love story!
Quote-
“What are you doing back here? Addie said.
I thought it would be less likely for people to see me.
I don’t care about that. They’ll know. Someone will see. Come by the front door out on the front sidewalk. I made up my mind I’m not going to pay attention to what people think. I’ve done that too long- all my life. I’m not going to live that way anymore. The alley makes it seem we’re doing something wrong or something disgraceful, to be ashamed of. “
Question-
Did you dislike Gene as much as I did?
If you like this try-
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Zevin, Gabrielle
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Simonson, Helen
Norwegian by Night by Derek Miller
Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf
179 pages
What’s it about?
This is a love story set in a small Western town. Two elderly, lonely people make a conscious decision to spend time together at night, when they are the most alone.
What did I think?
I really like Kent Haruf’s writing style. It is sparse and economical, yet he always conveys great depth. This was his last novel before he died. I loved "Plainsong". This last book is almost like reading a lengthy version of a short story.
Should you read it?
I am a sucker for a good love story!
Quote-
“What are you doing back here? Addie said.
I thought it would be less likely for people to see me.
I don’t care about that. They’ll know. Someone will see. Come by the front door out on the front sidewalk. I made up my mind I’m not going to pay attention to what people think. I’ve done that too long- all my life. I’m not going to live that way anymore. The alley makes it seem we’re doing something wrong or something disgraceful, to be ashamed of. “
Question-
Did you dislike Gene as much as I did?
If you like this try-
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Zevin, Gabrielle
Major Pettigrew's Last Stand by Simonson, Helen
Norwegian by Night by Derek Miller
I loved all his books. This one was too short as was his writing career. I will miss hearing about Holt Colorado and the people who live there.
This slice of life addresses family and end of life questions in a soothing manner. Addie, a septuagenarian widow, approaches a neighbor who is also an older widower, with a proposal. They would spend their nights together, providing. companionship that both were missing. And so begins their relationship. The pace of the language is soothing and although there is very little plot, we are eyewitnesses to the burgeoning friendship between the two. Charming.
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