Sign in with Facebook
Laysee's Reviews > Our Souls at Night
Our Souls at Night
by
by
"Our Souls At Night" is a slim book that holds a gentle heart. That it is Kent Haruf's last novel and gift to his wife makes this extraordinary love story even more poignant and remarkable.
It begins in Haruf's characteristically sparse and understated fashion: "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."
That call transforms the life of two elderly people who have lived alone after the death of their spouses. Seventy-year-old Addie makes an unabashed proposal to Louis, her neighbor two doors removed. It is to spend their nights together, lying companionably in bed, and talking.
To me, it seems scandalous but wondrous at the same time. It understandably shocks the moral sensibilities of the small town of Holt, Colorado, and repulses their adult children. It is, as Addie or Louis put it, "a good kind of new."
It is a story about living one's life in the present with courage and authenticity. It is about coping with loneliness in a totally unconventional way. It is about risking judgment and public criticism and being at peace with oneself. How liberating to think that advanced age is no barrier to seeking solace for the soul! "It's some kind of decision to be free. Even at our ages."
As Addie and Louis discover in their talks at night, people married to each other, who spend "a long time of joined life" together may not necessarily find happiness. Haruf offers a thought that strikes me as priceless: a good friendship offers more true companionship and comfort than a bad marriage.
"Our Souls At Night" is intimate, tender, inspiring, and uplifting. There is not a false note because it is Haruf's tribute to the life he shared with his wife, Cathy.
It begins in Haruf's characteristically sparse and understated fashion: "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."
That call transforms the life of two elderly people who have lived alone after the death of their spouses. Seventy-year-old Addie makes an unabashed proposal to Louis, her neighbor two doors removed. It is to spend their nights together, lying companionably in bed, and talking.
To me, it seems scandalous but wondrous at the same time. It understandably shocks the moral sensibilities of the small town of Holt, Colorado, and repulses their adult children. It is, as Addie or Louis put it, "a good kind of new."
It is a story about living one's life in the present with courage and authenticity. It is about coping with loneliness in a totally unconventional way. It is about risking judgment and public criticism and being at peace with oneself. How liberating to think that advanced age is no barrier to seeking solace for the soul! "It's some kind of decision to be free. Even at our ages."
As Addie and Louis discover in their talks at night, people married to each other, who spend "a long time of joined life" together may not necessarily find happiness. Haruf offers a thought that strikes me as priceless: a good friendship offers more true companionship and comfort than a bad marriage.
"Our Souls At Night" is intimate, tender, inspiring, and uplifting. There is not a false note because it is Haruf's tribute to the life he shared with his wife, Cathy.
Sign into Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ to see if any of your friends have read
Our Souls at Night.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
June 8, 2016
–
Started Reading
June 10, 2016
– Shelved
June 10, 2016
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-20 of 20 (20 new)
date
newest »
newest »
message 1:
by
Tsung
(new)
-
rated it 4 stars
Jun 10, 2016 06:53PM
Nice review Laysee! You've covered a fair bit of Kent Haruf. Which book do you think best represents his works?
reply
|
flag
Hi Tsung Wei, this is my 4th Kent Haruf book. I love his clean and artless prose. So sad this is his last and there are no more new Haruf books to read. He writes mostly about family, not necessarily biological, but about people who are or become family. You have to try one of his books. I saved this one for a long time. Saving the best for last? I'm not sure. I like all the 4 I've read.
Lovely, Laysee. I'm behind you on the Haruf front, but this one is high on my list. "People who... become family", yes such a powerful, important and startling theme.
So good to know we share an appreciation for Haruf's writing, Cecily. You will love this book.
A beautiful first paragraph, Laysee, and one that you support with love through all the rest of your review. R.
Thank you, Roger, for the lovely comment.
Lovely review, Laysee. I love Haruf's stories.
Thank you, Angela. Yes, we are Haruf's fan club. :)
I am not surprised at all that with your tender and compassionate heart that this book resonated for you. I, too, found it memorable and lasting perhaps because of the tenderness that you so beautifully share. When you put the book in context of what you said about Haruf's dying and his tribute to his wife...well...it packs a whollop.You always manage to peel the layers of the books you read and inevitably you discover goodness and kindness somewhere. I commend you.
Thank you most kindly, Deyanne. Haruf wrote this book when he knew he was dying. Here's an excerpt from an interview with Haruf's wife. "What was the inspiration behind Our Souls at Night?
Kent said to me at the end of April, 'I am going to write a book about us.' His favorite time of all was when we would lie in bed at night, hold hands and talk about everything � living, dying, our spirits, our lovely children, our dear friends, this story, my hospice work, funny happenings, our great years together, frustrations, resentments, our feelings for each other and whatever went on that day. (It was very important to Kent and me that we stay current with each other about everything.)"
- See more at:
My...I am so grateful that you shared this with me. What an incredible tribute. Thanks so much. This detail certainly adds even more depth to a lovely work.
A wonderful, tender review, Laysee. I have marked this to be read and perhaps, I won't be disappointed when I would get to it.
Thank you, Seemita. There is very little likelihood that you will be disappointed with this book. I think you will like Kent Haruf's writing.
Lovely review for a lovely book, Laysee.
Thanks much, Cheri. Isn't this a lovely book? It moved me deeply.
Thank you, Myra. So pleased we both enjoyed this delightful book!
The danger of liking reviews of books I have yet to read is that I can't like them again when I do.And now that I have, your comment about Haruf writing about "People who... become family" rings crisply true. And as you also said in a comment, I did love this (despite it being less lyrical than Plainsong and Eventide).
Thank you, Cecily. Glad you love this Haruf book too. Haruf is one of few writers I know who writes beautifully about his wondrously refreshing and inclusive view of family.
Laysee, a review filled with love and warmth, just like the book. I did not know that this book was dedicated to his wife, thank you for including the details of her interview in your comments. :)
Vishakha wrote: "Laysee, a review filled with love and warmth, just like the book. I did not know that this book was dedicated to his wife, thank you for including the details of her interview in your comments. :)"I read your eloquent review of this book, Vishakha, and am so pleased you loved this book as much as I did. That this was Haruf's last book dedicated to his wife made it even more poigant and moving. Thank you for sharing the joy of Haruf's work.
