Helpful Score: 6
I remember picking this book up from a library shelf and starting to read, and I couldn't stop.
Terrific opening of an absolutely gripping story that is not a whodunnit but a whydunnit.
In my opinion, Kent Haruf is the best living American writer (with Cormac McCarthy a close second), and this book, combined with the best-selling Plainsong, confirm it.
Terrific opening of an absolutely gripping story that is not a whodunnit but a whydunnit.
In my opinion, Kent Haruf is the best living American writer (with Cormac McCarthy a close second), and this book, combined with the best-selling Plainsong, confirm it.
Helpful Score: 4
This the the third book I've read by this author, and I wish there were a whole lot more of his to read. What Proulx, Spragg, McMurtry and James Galvin have done for the West, Haruf does for the Midwest. His characters are true-to-life and unforgettable. His narration style of this book, though different from Plainsong and its sequel Eventide, is unique and plausible at the same time. I agree with another reviewer -- you never want his books to end, and you put down the book wondering what will happen to the characters who remain.
Helpful Score: 1
Haruf's debut novel is so perfect that it's hard to believe he hadn't spent a lifetime perfecting this craft. Everything in it is pitch-perfect -- the demanding sandhill prairies of eastern Colorado, the tough and unsentimental people who struggle to make a living on it, and the strands of responsibility and passion that create the ties of the title.
Helpful Score: 1
This was a sad story about a woman who grew up on a rural farm and lived a life of obligation. The author writes a compelling story as told by a neighbor. It's one of those stories that stays with you as you wonder what you would have done if you were in her place.
very good read
A Wonderful Book!
I love Kent Haruf's writing. He makes the characters seem so real and I never want his books to end.
Written with homey language, this is a first-person account of farming neighbors on the Colorado plains. I felt the story dragged on, and I didn't find the characters likeable, save the narrator. I hung in until the end, though I wish I hadn't. I'd give it 2 out of 5 stars. I wanted to like it - I really did, but I thought it fell short in so many ways.
Anything this man writes is fantastic and highly recommended.
Very interesting and sad book.I could hardly put it down.
I love stories about strong, stoic older women (I hope to be one someday!), and this is one of those. Very gripping - some mystery involved!
part of his midwestern series of books in the same style as plainsong, so quiet and lyrical.
Wow. I can't believe this is the first book he wrote, as he is a master with words. Despite he harsheness of the conditions and the people I was mesmerized, reminding me of Doi and Stegner. With lots of downhome humor. ONe of the saddest books I've ever read.
The book sounds like a good one, but the idea of listening or reading the words of the farmer all the way through the book was a task I was not desires to do. I could have stood it if it had been a part of the book, but not the whole story, every page, every paragraph, every line, every word. No! No way! The few pages I did read were good, even funny in places but some what like watching leaves dry. It takes a long time to see the change.
This is an excellent book, great story. I felt like I was living next door to these people.
Kent Haruf is such an amazing story teller even though the story has so much sadness,as well as excellent humor I really loved this one!!!!
