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Diane Barnes's Reviews > Plainsong
Plainsong (Plainsong, #1)
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I read this many years ago and remembered the beautiful writing and the general sense of the book, but not the particulars. I also forgot that it was going to rip my heart out. Kent Haruf uses simple language better than any author I know to show the loneliness and disappointments inherent in the simple lives of his characters. There's not a lot of excitement in the small town of Holt, Colorado, but I literally couldn't put it down. Each chapter ended with a lump in my throat, or tears in my eyes, because of insights into these people trying to grow up, move on, grow old, make a life, do the right thing.
The McPheron brothers........what can I say? I dare you to find a better pair of crusty old bachelors anywhere in literature.
I never got around to reading Eventide or Benediction, Haruf's following books in this trilogy, which is why I decided to re-read this one first. I can't imagine a more rewarding way to have spent the last two afternoons.
The McPheron brothers........what can I say? I dare you to find a better pair of crusty old bachelors anywhere in literature.
I never got around to reading Eventide or Benediction, Haruf's following books in this trilogy, which is why I decided to re-read this one first. I can't imagine a more rewarding way to have spent the last two afternoons.
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Aug 20, 2019 03:16PM
I haven’t yet read this and I know I have quite a book ahead of me. I do actually have a copy. Another one to add to my winter list.
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Diane, it's well worth reading the trilogy. Your review captures this novel well. Happy reading - I look forward to reading your reviews of the other two novels.
I envy you, Sue. It's a wonderful novel, a bit reminiscent of Willa Cather.
I'm happily looking forward to the other two, TBV. This one was a real treat.
As usual, I felt the same as you when reading this. There is a plan to read Eventide before the end of the year and the third book shortly thereafter. The only character I thought of who reminded me of the McPheron Brothers was Matthew Cuthbert in Anne of Green Gables.
Sadly, I’ve finished every book he ever wrote. And this is hands-down my favorite. The only literary comparison to these “crusty old bachelors� that I can think of comes from Thomas Savage’s ‘The Power Of The Dog.� Haruf was a master at describing the day-to-day rhythm and minutiae and inevitable disruption of ordinary life. And the McPheron brothers are two of my favorite characters ever.
Fantastic review, Diane . Haruf is on my list of favorite writers.
Oh how I envy you getting to read the other Haruf books for the first time. And thanks for the reminder of how wonderful his work is.
I need to do a reread on this one also.
Matthew Cuthbert is definitely in the same mold, Sara. And the brothers in Power of the Dog did not have the same sweet natures as the McPherons, Wyndy, or at least, one of them did not. I am really looking forward to the other two, and Haruf is one of my favorite writers too.
Betsy, re-reading an old favorite is rewarding in itself, but it's very exciting to realize there are more I didn't get to.
Cathrine, I never planned to read this in just 2 days, I wanted to make it last longer, but couldn't stop.
Great review, Diane. I loved Our Souls At Night and I plan to read more Haruf.
Terrific review, Diane!
Oh splendid, Diane! I adored this book and still have the next two in the trilogy waiting for me. Don't know what I'm waiting for - you are giving me the nudge to try and squeeze one in before end of year :)
I'm thinking the same thing, Candi. I need to know what's happening with these characters down the road.
Thanks Jen and Bianca. I thought Our Souls at Night was a beautiful book.
Wonderful review, Diane! The next two books of the trilogy are just as good. I loved the McPheron brothers too. After listening to the craziness in the news, it's so refreshing to read about people who exhibit compassion and kindness.
You got that right, Connie. At least the characters in this book were sane.
Lovely. And as you didn't get round to reading Eventide before, now is the time to do so, as it's the rest of the story about the McPherons and Victoria. (Despite the GR description, Benediction is a separate story, albeit set in Holt, as all his are.)
I plan to get to Eventide soon, Cecily. As good as it was, there were a few things left dangling in Plainsong. I need to know how they get/got resolved.
I never put this on my “READ� list because I can’t remember particulars either... so long ago... I’m going to read it again, it will partly be like reading anew😊
It was for me, Karen. Very nice to discover him anew.
Nice review, this is one of my favorites!
Perfect, Diane! I loved this book and the McPheron brothers in particular. Kent Haruf is a hard act to follow. I have read all his books, but one day, I will definitely reread them.
The McPheron brothers........what can I say? I dare you to find a better pair of crusty old bachelors anywhere in literature.I couldn't agree more! I can't wait for you to read Eventide!!
Diane, I just read Eventide and will begin Benediction this weekend. Thank you for the review and putting me back on Kent Haruf!
I too read all three of Kent Haruf's books many years ago. I was interested in learning about a part of the country I had never been and, too, a different lifestyle. What an eloquence with words and a twist of the heart. They remain among my permanent collection.
No problem, Douglas. I can't wait to get started on Eventide.
Agree Jane. These books have to stay on my shelves.
Diane. Thanks for the review. I read Plainsong so many many years ago I can’t clearly remember it. I just know I loved it. So I got Eventide in the mail today. I don’t know; maybe I’ll have to reread Plainsong first.
Lovely review, Diane. I think this this the book my sister, Jo-Ann told me I have to read. Onto my list it goes.
Your sister is right, Sherril.
Diane, you have summed my emotions this afternoon in writing that this left a lump in your throat, and I too ended the evening wrinkled in the bath as I just kept on reading until finished!!!
Wrinkled in the bath with a book.....at least your tears washed down the drain with the water!
Oh Diane, you have the power to make me smile every day 💕😊
I'm right there with you about the old McPheron brothers. Loved having them in my life for a brief period. Great review, Diane.
Brilliant review, Diane! I agree this is such a moving book, and I loved every moment spent with it.
I hope you have Eventide and Benediction on your list also. Haruf is a master.
Diane wrote: "I hope you have Eventide and Benediction on your list also. Haruf is a master."I do! I had Eventide sent over from another library branch and will be picking it up on my lunch break tomorrow. I am looking forward to it.
