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Robin's Reviews > Plainsong
Plainsong
by
by
I'm a private, introverted person. I don't enjoy debates or big flare-up arguments, with loud splotches of emotion. Whack! There's some emphatic feeling right there, all messy on the floor. Maybe it's my Canadian-ness, or a result of my upbringing in a house where my parents always kept their troubles quietly to themselves.
As a result of this personality trait, it follows that I don't like BIG CAPITAL LETTERS, loads!!!!!!!! of exclamation marks, or all kinds of emphasis, bejewelling and explanations. Subtlety, it's a beautiful thing. I aspire to it. In life and in books.
Thus, I have a great deal of admiration for Kent Haruf's novel, which is 'plain' in title and execution. The words are serviceable and unadorned, much like the farm people who populate his story. Melodrama does not live here. Hysteria is not welcome. Words lie on the page as they are, simple yet elegant. These simple words then reach into your heart, and march according to its beat.
I found that all on my own, without coercion or even the slightest push from the author, I was connected with the people of Holt. Young boys who have to deal with their mother moving away, a pregnant teenager kicked out of her home, a newly single father, an elderly lady who makes cookies for boys who deliver her newspaper. They're all three dimensional people now, thanks to Haruf's subtle words. Especially the McPheron brothers, two older men whose stoic, decent hearts are cracked open later in life, and who shine a warm light on every page they inhabit.
The words, simple as they are, have power.
So while I often don't reach it - subtlety, that is - Haruf's writing is a lovely reminder to keep trying.
As a result of this personality trait, it follows that I don't like BIG CAPITAL LETTERS, loads!!!!!!!! of exclamation marks, or all kinds of emphasis, bejewelling and explanations. Subtlety, it's a beautiful thing. I aspire to it. In life and in books.
Thus, I have a great deal of admiration for Kent Haruf's novel, which is 'plain' in title and execution. The words are serviceable and unadorned, much like the farm people who populate his story. Melodrama does not live here. Hysteria is not welcome. Words lie on the page as they are, simple yet elegant. These simple words then reach into your heart, and march according to its beat.
I found that all on my own, without coercion or even the slightest push from the author, I was connected with the people of Holt. Young boys who have to deal with their mother moving away, a pregnant teenager kicked out of her home, a newly single father, an elderly lady who makes cookies for boys who deliver her newspaper. They're all three dimensional people now, thanks to Haruf's subtle words. Especially the McPheron brothers, two older men whose stoic, decent hearts are cracked open later in life, and who shine a warm light on every page they inhabit.
The words, simple as they are, have power.
So while I often don't reach it - subtlety, that is - Haruf's writing is a lovely reminder to keep trying.
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Comments Showing 1-50 of 82 (82 new)
I loved this book, and I loved your review, Robin. It warmed my frosty heart.
Beautiful review Robin. You captured why Kent Haruf is so beloved; the power of his words in its simplicity.
Fabulous review Robin. Makes me want to read this soon 😊
This review makes me want to meet all these people, Robin. Thanks for the introduction! I can relate, soul deep, to your first paragraph.
You have several Haruf books to look forward to. He was a wonderful writer with quiet skill and a big heart.
One of my favorite writers! He says so much without a lot of words. Enjoy! Love your review Robin 🙂
Just like Haruf's writing, your review is quite elegant, Robin. I adored this book and the McPheron brothers were a delight :)
![Terence M - [Quot libros, quam breve tempus!]](https://images.gr-assets.com/users/1712357414p1/6658001.jpg)
A delightful review, Robin.
Beautifully rendered review, Robin! This is the last book I have by Kent Haruf that is unread (I read this quartet backwards for some reason) - and I have been saving it for a time when . . . well, just saving it. The beauty of your review is, your 3rd paragraph applies straight across the board in each one of his books. After reading one, I feel I have a calming angel touching my shoulder . . .
The book you conjured up reminds me of S.E. Hinton written for adults. Wonderful write-up, Robin. You make an excellent point about the best style being style that's invisible. p.s. Reading your review of a book is often more thrilling for me than reading an actual book. You also influence some of the choices I make in my own writing. Scanning for CAPS and mad italics now.
Sounds like you found your soulmate writer, Robin. Haruf is one of my favorite writers. I'm madly in love with him and sad that he's dead. Wish he'd written more. Have fun with the rest of his books, if you haven't read them yet. Spread them out cause you'll be sad when you've finished the last one.
Exquisite review, Robin. You’re very astutely touched the heart of Haruf’s simple and quiet but far-reaching prose. Beautifully written.
I'm with Betsy; I'm madly in love with Haruf, too, and I haven't gotten over his death yet, either. He also died exactly one month after my father, so it was a crushing blow.You are so right, his "words are serviceable and unadorned."
I'm so happy, so very, very happy to see you've gone on to read Eventide. I think it's not only Haruf's best work, I think it's one of the most perfect little books that was ever written.
AND I WILL EMPHASIS MY POINT WITH CAPITAL LETTERS, 'CAUSE I'M A SASSY EXTROVERT WHO WILL KICK ASS ON MR. HARUF'S BEHALF ANY DAY!!!!
I love you.
The End.
Hi, Robin. I really like what you say there in your review. Subtlety is what I admire most in writing and in characters.
lovely review, from one introvert to another...
Fede wrote: "Subtly delightful. Delightfully subtle.
Pure Robin-ness."
You're making me blush now, Fede! Thank you as always for reading and your uber kind compliment.
Zoeytron wrote: "I loved this book, and I loved your review, Robin. It warmed my frosty heart."Aw Zoey, thank you! I don't believe for a moment that your heart is in the least bit frosty, though I understand what you're saying. I feel like this book defrosted my grinchy heart - I don't liking things everyone else in the world likes. But I just couldn't help it. I'm going to have a look at your review of this book now.
Lorna wrote: "Beautiful review Robin. You captured why Kent Haruf is so beloved; the power of his words in its simplicity."Lorna, thanks so much. The simplicity of his writing is so inviting, isn't it. It draws you in and makes you want to stay there.
Sandra wrote: "Fabulous review Robin. Makes me want to read this soon 😊"Hi Sandra, thank you! I think it's a safe bet you'll love it. Mr. Haruf has a devoted and wide-reaching following. And for good reason, too.
Julie wrote: “This review makes me want to meet all these people, Robin. Thanks for the introduction! I can relate, soul deep, to your first paragraph.�Julie, introverts unite! I think you’d really appreciate this author’s understated style.
I have to confess I had never heard of Kent Haruf before reading your subtle but great review.
Bruce wrote: “You have several Haruf books to look forward to. He was a wonderful writer with quiet skill and a big heart.�I’m already into Eventide, Bruce. I wasn’t quite ready to leave the world of Holt, Colorado. You describe his work perfectly. Thanks for your comment!
You must read the whole series (no exclamation points). Just plain beautiful stories.
Melanie wrote: "One of my favorite writers! He says so much without a lot of words. Enjoy! Love your review Robin 🙂"Hi Melanie! You're right. No extraneous chapters to be found here. Just lovely. Thanks so much for your sweet comment.
Candi wrote: "Just like Haruf's writing, your review is quite elegant, Robin. I adored this book and the McPheron brothers were a delight :)"Oh, you are way too sweet to me, Candi! Thank you. And I can't believe how wonderful the McPheron brothers were. They embody the good in men. They must be related to Atticus Finch. I just love them and am so happy to be reading about them again in Eventide.
Diane S � wrote: "Awesome review, Robin."Thanks so much, Diane.
Terence M wrote: "A delightful review, Robin."Hi, Terence. I'm happy you dropped by to comment - thank you so much. It's really a wonderful book.
Jaline wrote: "Beautifully rendered review, Robin! This is the last book I have by Kent Haruf that is unread (I read this quartet backwards for some reason) - and I have been saving it for a time when . . . well, just saving it. The beauty of your review is, your 3rd paragraph applies straight across the board in each one of his books. After reading one, I feel I have a calming angel touching my shoulder . . ."Hello dear Jaline, and thank you. I know just what you mean about the calming angel. The writing is quite gentle and somehow, despite some bad characters or people in difficult circumstances, life affirming. I also am not surprised you have 'saved' this book, so as not to blitz through all Haruf's work. It always feels good to know you still have one ahead of you, when it comes to a favourite author. I'm sure once you get to this one, you will not be disappointed.
Joe wrote: "The book you conjured up reminds me of S.E. Hinton written for adults. Wonderful write-up, Robin. You make an excellent point about the best style being style that's invisible. p.s. Reading your review of a book is often more thrilling for me than reading an actual book. You also influence some of the choices I make in my own writing. Scanning for CAPS and mad italics now."You are so unfailingly gallant, Joe. Thank you for yet another fab comment. I love the visual of you editing out caps and italics (if I can help one person... just one...). Hee hee. Seriously though, I think we all help each other be better writers - I know your encouragement and talents inspire me!
Betsy wrote: "Sounds like you found your soulmate writer, Robin. Haruf is one of my favorite writers. I'm madly in love with him and sad that he's dead. Wish he'd written more. Have fun with the rest of his books, if you haven't read them yet. Spread them out cause you'll be sad when you've finished the last one."Hi, Betsy. I understand why people love these books so much, why the following is so devoted. This is the second book by Haruf that I've read (Our Souls at Night was my introduction). And now I'm on to Eventide.
I love that you have discovered and fallen in love with Kent Haruf. He’s one of my favourite authors. Loved your review.
Beautiful review. I need to read more Haruf.
And your simple words have power, too. Lovely review. Now pick up Benediction asap for the rest of the story.
Beautiful review Robin. I really have to start reading his books. They seem to be quiet yet packed with emotion.
Terrific review, Robin. Share all your sentiments.
Laysee wrote: "Exquisite review, Robin. You’re very astutely touched the heart of Haruf’s simple and quiet but far-reaching prose. Beautifully written."Aw, thanks Laysee. There seems to be ubiquitous love for this author's work. It feels effortless to succumb.
Alex wrote: "GREAT REVIEW!!!!!!"thanks, alex.
i think you write somewhat good reviews also.
(we're opposites - see what I did there? I was being very subtle.)
I enjoyed your review and personal take. I read this last year and it was my first by this author. Plainsong next!
Correction, I read Our Souls at Night
Julie wrote: "I'm with Betsy; I'm madly in love with Haruf, too, and I haven't gotten over his death yet, either. He also died exactly one month after my father, so it was a crushing blow.You are so right, his "words are serviceable and unadorned.""
I feel like Kent Haruf has a similar magic to Harper Lee. It's a challenge to find someone who doesn't come away from this book with more love in their heart. Oh boy, now I sound cheesy. But, it's true.
I'm so happy, so very, very happy to see you've gone on to read Eventide. I think it's not only Haruf's best work, I think it's one of the most perfect little books that was ever written.
You've recommended Eventide to me in the past, but I just had to read the books in order (it's a "thing" I have)... so I ordered both of them at the same time. I'm glad I did because I wasn't ready to leave the town of Holt.
AND I WILL EMPHASIS MY POINT WITH CAPITAL LETTERS, 'CAUSE I'M A SASSY EXTROVERT WHO WILL KICK ASS ON MR. HARUF'S BEHALF ANY DAY!!!!
I love you.
The End.
You? An extrovert? I had no idea!
I love you too, Julie xx
Markus wrote: "Hi, Robin. I really like what you say there in your review. Subtlety is what I admire most in writing and in characters."Hi there Markus. I'm always happy to see your comments. Thanks so much. I agree with you - I like all kinds of styles and books, but what makes a book wonderful is when you forget all about the author, their toil and trouble is invisible. That is a subtlety I really admire.
Jaye wrote: "lovely review, from one introvert to another..."Jaye, pleased to meet you. Thanks so much for stopping by for this introverted meeting of the minds. :)
Martin wrote: "Well said."Thanks, Martin, I appreciate it!
Pedro Matilde wrote: "I have to confess I had never heard of Kent Haruf before reading your subtle but great review."Pedro, I discovered him a few years ago when I read Our Souls at Night. He's a beautiful writer. Thanks so much for your kind comment.
Delightfully subtle.
Pure Robin-ness.