Helpful Score: 7
Such sparse writing with so much depth to the story. Amazingly difficult to write something that is seemingly simple.
Helpful Score: 6
This is a quietly lovely book written in Kent Haruf's signature style. Its haunting poignancy is deepened by knowing that it is his final book. I highly recommend all his books; however, this one will hold a special place in the hearts of readers who love his writing and a town called Holt.
Helpful Score: 1
For Addie and Louis life is lonely. Both have lost their spouses and live alone in the homes where they once lived with those precious individuals they cherished. They live next door to one another. One day Addie knocks on Louis's door and asks Louis to have coffee with her. Addie was a friend to his wife so they knew each other but were not particular friends. Louis is taken aback but thinks why not. So begins a friendship that grows and begins to ease the loneliness for each of them.
The friendship leads to more and more time with one another. And, Addie asks Louis to sometimes share her bed. The nights are long and it would help knowing there was someone next to her, to talk to her and to warm her. Yes, he says that might be possible. So the friendship deepens. The days seem brighter and the nights shorter. Both are conscious of what the neighbors might say but find this friendship comforting and something to chase away the lonelies. Some call this a simple story. Perhaps it is but there is tragedy too when others interfere and because of guilt the contact ceases but the friendship in this story doesn't.
This is a beautiful story that reminds me of a local widower I know who found solace in the company of a widow who reached out to him. She was someone to share the hours with, someone to travel with, someone to talk with and yes, someone to just hold and comfort him at night occasionally. No, she would never replace his beloved wife but he needed to ease the loneliness, just like Addie and Louis.
This is a gentle and lovely story that is so very human. Addie and Louis were in their 70s but their needs were the same as younger humans. They needed others to care about them, talk with them, spend time with them and yes, to hold them.
The friendship leads to more and more time with one another. And, Addie asks Louis to sometimes share her bed. The nights are long and it would help knowing there was someone next to her, to talk to her and to warm her. Yes, he says that might be possible. So the friendship deepens. The days seem brighter and the nights shorter. Both are conscious of what the neighbors might say but find this friendship comforting and something to chase away the lonelies. Some call this a simple story. Perhaps it is but there is tragedy too when others interfere and because of guilt the contact ceases but the friendship in this story doesn't.
This is a beautiful story that reminds me of a local widower I know who found solace in the company of a widow who reached out to him. She was someone to share the hours with, someone to travel with, someone to talk with and yes, someone to just hold and comfort him at night occasionally. No, she would never replace his beloved wife but he needed to ease the loneliness, just like Addie and Louis.
This is a gentle and lovely story that is so very human. Addie and Louis were in their 70s but their needs were the same as younger humans. They needed others to care about them, talk with them, spend time with them and yes, to hold them.
Helpful Score: 1
A sweet ode to aging. mournful and compassionate.
What a gem of a book! I think the talking in bed is the most important and enjoyable time of day or night. Should my husband die before me, I will miss this the most, I think. The book had an air of authenticity. It was real. It was funny at times and sad at times, just like real life. It has been made into a movie on Netflix (I think) and I'm not sure I want to see it. I don't know how it could be any better than the book! I highly recommend this book!
