Helpful Score: 3
A number of critics have hailed this as "one of the best books of the year," and I agree. Haruf has an incredible talent for developing characters that seem as real as the pages they're described on. You come to know them all -- like some, understand others, pity a few. I don't think I've ever read any author who has a better talent for dialog. It's as though he listened to people and transcribed their words ... so real!
One note: Read Plainsong by Haruf first, though. I think ou'll appreciate this one much more if you do.
One note: Read Plainsong by Haruf first, though. I think ou'll appreciate this one much more if you do.
Helpful Score: 2
Great read all his books tie in with each other.
Helpful Score: 2
Sequel to Plainsong--great storyteller
Helpful Score: 2
Well, I thought it couldn't get any better than Plainsong, but here it is! I could not put this book down until I was done reading about the continuation of Victoria and the McPerhon brothers. This is an outstanding book by an author I've added to my favorites. I am hoping and praying for a sequel. These characters just have to be getting on with their lives somewhere, and I want to read about it!
Haruf returns to the locale and many of the characters of "Plainsong", with a still powerful but less engaging story in this semi-sequel. There's really no plot arc here, just a series of scenes, the most powerful involving Raymond and Harold McPheron. This feels like the middle volume of a trilogy, with all the weaknesses that so often implies.
Eventide picks up where Plainsong left off. If you enjoyed the first, you will like this too. It's a great story featuring two brothers in this little town of memorable people. Their good times, their bad times and all in between makes it a book you don't want to finish.
I've become a big fan of Kent Haruf. I really enjoy his books with the McPheron brothers and the stories about the city Holt. They are such heart warming stories that I love to crawl into bed with on a rainy day or night. :)
I loved this book. I had read the book that preceded it years ago, but forgot. So I read "Plainsong" again, and then read "Eventide". Both were very good, though I liked Eventide the best. I immediately felt comfortable the characters in and the sense of hope, which is fulfilled. READ them both!
I enjoyed all the plot twists and gentle presentation of this novel.
I like Kent Haruf's style of writing. It is a combination of modern day life events coupled with rural life happenings which can be, well, rather mundane! The underlying examples are all the same, to help one another. This book is a refreshing read, there are several morals to gain from also.
Incredible story. I loved it. Kent Haruf is a terrific writer.
