And then there was the day when Addie Moore made a call on Louis Waters.
It was an evening in May just before full dark.
Description:
Sometimes a first sentences perfectly set the mood for the story ahead. Quiet, confidential, smoothly flowing like a friend confiding in you another tale fondly remembered. You are immediately drawn in to the narrator's simple words, settling in to listen to a tale being spun just for you from the memory of a friend.
Kent Haruf is just such a friend and gentle storyteller. His latest (and sadly his last as he died in 2014), Our Souls at Night continues his tales about the everyday people living in the tiny town of Holt, Colorado.
In the opening pages, Addie Moore bring a modest proposal to her neighbor Louis Waters.
The people in their small town soon get wind of this situation, of course, and make judgments, some derogatory and some envious. Addie and Louis' families express shock at their behavior, reactions that affect their new relationship and that of Addie's young grandson who is temporarily living with her.
This is a quiet tale of real people with honest thoughts and reflective natures. They deal with this new situation with curiosity, hope, and grace while slowly recounting their lives to each other, their successes and failures, and their dreams. The reactions of other townspeople leave them indifferent, deciding that at their age they can do whatever they like without worrying about the opinions of others. As Louis sums up in his goals for living:
Kent Haruf is just such a friend and gentle storyteller. His latest (and sadly his last as he died in 2014), Our Souls at Night continues his tales about the everyday people living in the tiny town of Holt, Colorado.
In the opening pages, Addie Moore bring a modest proposal to her neighbor Louis Waters.
I wonder if you would consider coming to my house sometimes to sleep with me...we're both alone. We've been by ourselves for too long. For years, I'm lonely. I think you might be to. I wonder if you would come and sleep in the night with me. And talk.Both are senior citizens, widowed, with grown families. They agree to spend nights together in bed to talk and combat the loneliest hours of their single lives. No sex is involved, just gentle conversation, getting to know each other, and enjoying some companionship. Louis arrives at Addie's house each evening and leaves early in the morning. Their lives continue as usual except for this nightly arrangement. And that's the whole story. But in the hands of a writer like Haruf, it is enough to keep any reader engrossed.
The people in their small town soon get wind of this situation, of course, and make judgments, some derogatory and some envious. Addie and Louis' families express shock at their behavior, reactions that affect their new relationship and that of Addie's young grandson who is temporarily living with her.
This is a quiet tale of real people with honest thoughts and reflective natures. They deal with this new situation with curiosity, hope, and grace while slowly recounting their lives to each other, their successes and failures, and their dreams. The reactions of other townspeople leave them indifferent, deciding that at their age they can do whatever they like without worrying about the opinions of others. As Louis sums up in his goals for living:
I just want to live simply and pay attention to what's happening each day. And come sleep with you at night.Highly recommended for a great read, a story of kindness, compassion, grace, and some real sadness in the lives of two quality people.
If this book interests you, be sure to check out:
Haruf, Kent. Plainsong
Two crusty bachelor farmers in the tiny town of Holt, Colorado, find a pregnant teenager on their doorstep and take her in, completely changing the lives of all three forever. A fine, gentle, honest book that should be read by everyone.
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