Helpful Score: 2
I always wonder what the makings of a modern classic are; for a book to bear the title of a classic once it is written? I don't know that this would be the one I would pick but I do know I loved the author's ability to paint raw human emotion with his words along with the physical landscape of the prairie and the small town of Holt, Colorado. He was able to transport me to where he was writing of and this doesn't often work. I enjoyed this story but I don't know that I am able to look towards a future for Jessie and her boys and this bothers me.
Helpful Score: 1
Absolutely wonderful--what an author!
Helpful Score: 1
Haruf returns to Holt, this time with the story of trust and betrayal, as a man returns to Holt after committing an unforgiveable act.
The pacing on this one's a bit odd. Haruf starts out telling the reader how the residents of Holt are shocked at the return of Jack Burdette, but then takes most of the rest of this slim volume explaining why, before detonating an ending almost guaranteed to leave you slack-jawed.
The pacing on this one's a bit odd. Haruf starts out telling the reader how the residents of Holt are shocked at the return of Jack Burdette, but then takes most of the rest of this slim volume explaining why, before detonating an ending almost guaranteed to leave you slack-jawed.
Helpful Score: 1
While not rising to the occasion as much as in his previous novel, "Plainsong," Haruf still manages to tell a taut tale full of ambiguous characters and his easygoing style of prose that seems so effortless.
One problem I had with the book is that I didn't relate to any character, didn't "feel"
for any one, no one seemed near redemption nor triumph. This is a sad story, but it's not pandering and seems like a near slice of real life living among the plains of the Midwest.
One problem I had with the book is that I didn't relate to any character, didn't "feel"
for any one, no one seemed near redemption nor triumph. This is a sad story, but it's not pandering and seems like a near slice of real life living among the plains of the Midwest.
A quick read, different.
Haruf is artful in his storytelling. Compelling reading.
A great book like all Haruf's books are. I love his style of writing but this book had an ending that was too abrupt and left me wondering, "What happened next?" I had the feeling that it wasn't over yet so why is this the last page? I suppose after 20 years there will be no sequel so I will never know what happened next and I don't like that!
beautifully desperate and midwestern.
I found this book thoroughly interesting. The ending is stark! Another good one by Haruf.
Guess the good guys don't always win. But love his prose -- if you've ever lived in a small town -- his words paint a picture that is almost real. This was my third novel by Haruf and am looking forward to more.
Love his work; his characters are so real, and his settings are my home town.
Haven't read.
