Friday, October 2, 2015

Our Souls at Night; Kent Haruf

Our Souls at Night; Kent Haruf
Knopf - 2015


I loved this audiobook narrated by Mark Bramhall. The story left me feeling a bit sad, and with a thought that I often ask myself these days -- "Why can't people just live and let live?"

The story is a pretty simple one and involves two seniors in their 70's.  Addie Moore and Louis Walters are neighbors. They have both lost their spouses and live alone in the small town of Holt, Colorado.  One day Addie pays Louis a visit, she's lonely with no one to talk to. Her son and grandson live several hours away as does Louis' daughter.

Addie makes a surprising request after asking whether Louis ever feels lonely.  She asks him whether her might consider spending the night with her.  She's looking just for companionship and for a warm body next to her on those cold, lonely nights. Louis accepts her offer, and one night grows into two and then something more.  Each reveals very personal moments from their past as their fondness for one another grows.

Their relationship is problematic: town folks gossip, adult children express opposition and despite pretending not to care what others say, avoiding the subject is easier said than done.

I loved this short bittersweet story. The writing is beautiful and thought provoking and I felt sad that this will be the last book I'll ever see from this talented author, who passed away in 2014 at the age of 71. The story is a mostly hopeful story of friendship, love and understanding between seniors who had all but lost the human contact they once had enjoyed.  I think this book will mostly appeal to readers in the 50+ age range or to readers who have lost a spouse.

One quote in particular resonated with me -- "Who does ever get what they want? It doesn't seem to happen to many of us if any at all.  It's always two people bumping against each other blindly, acting out old ideas and dreams and mistaken understandings."

5/5 stars
(audiobook)

20 comments:

  1. This sounds lovely. I love that quote - when we get what we want, we always want something else. I'll have to check this book out.

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  2. i read another book by this author and liked it quite a bit. I can't remember the name of it though!

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    1. It was probably Benediction - just before this one -- which I also loved.

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  3. I have loved Haruf's novels and am so sad that he passed away earlier this year. This is on my Audible wish list.

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  4. Oops, it was Dec. 2014. He'll be missed for sure.

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  5. I read a bit about this book before and am so glad to see that someone really enjoyed it! I'm in my 50's and my husband is in his 60's, so I'm of the age of someone who can possibly relate to the MCs and take something away from this story. Thanks!

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  6. I have not read this author but he is in my wishlist. I wasn't too intrigued by the synopsis of this one but your review makes me want to read it. I will have to check it out.

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    1. I don't think readers younger than 50 will really appreciate this one. Just my opinion. He has other good ones as well.

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  7. I absolutely loved this book in print and, since Mark Bramhall is a favorite narrator, I'm tempted to listen to it too!

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  8. I loved this book. It was a beautiful story.

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  9. I just got this book from the library. I only recently heard about the author. I'm looking forward to listening to this after reading your review.

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  10. I enjoyed this one but found it sad and emotional. Probably because I'm one of those over 50 readers.

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