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Simon's Night
"A marvel. Out of Old Age, which our peculiar times have determined to view as a sort of generational sin, Jon Hassler has drawn forth a poignant, funny, wise novel about Eternal Youth."
THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER
Simon Shea, a retired professor of English at a small Minnesota college, has begun to forget things and is making dangerous errors in living. Thinking he needs to be cared for more closely, he commits himself to a private rest home, and opens a world of the strange, delightful, frightening, and comic, as he attempts to recover from his mistake.
THE CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER
Simon Shea, a retired professor of English at a small Minnesota college, has begun to forget things and is making dangerous errors in living. Thinking he needs to be cared for more closely, he commits himself to a private rest home, and opens a world of the strange, delightful, frightening, and comic, as he attempts to recover from his mistake.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
5 people are currently reading
199 people want to read
About the author
Jon Hassler
33 books115 followersJon Hassler was born in Minneapolis, but spent his formative years in the small Minnesota towns of Staples and Plainview, where he graduated from high school. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in English from St. John's University in 1955. While teaching English at three different Minnesota high schools, he received his Master of Arts degree in English from the University of North Dakota in 1960. He continued to teach at the high school level until 1965, when he began his collegiate teaching career: first at Bemidji State University, then Brainerd Community College (now called Central Lakes College), and finally at Saint John's, where he became the Writer-in-Residence in 1980.
During his high-school teaching years, Hassler married and fathered three children. His first marriage lasted 25 years. He had two more marriages; the last was to Gretchen Kresl Hassler.
In 1994, Hassler was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a disease similar to Parkinson's. It caused vision and speech problems, as well as difficulty walking, but he was able to continue writing. He was reported to have finished a novel just days before his death. Hassler died in 2008, at the age of 74, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.[1]
The Jon Hassler Theater in Plainview, Minnesota, is named for him.
During his high-school teaching years, Hassler married and fathered three children. His first marriage lasted 25 years. He had two more marriages; the last was to Gretchen Kresl Hassler.
In 1994, Hassler was diagnosed with progressive supranuclear palsy, a disease similar to Parkinson's. It caused vision and speech problems, as well as difficulty walking, but he was able to continue writing. He was reported to have finished a novel just days before his death. Hassler died in 2008, at the age of 74, at Methodist Hospital in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.[1]
The Jon Hassler Theater in Plainview, Minnesota, is named for him.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 24, 2012
At age 76, in the year 1976, retired literature professor Simon Shea decides to leave the northern Minnesota riverside cabin where he has lived alone for years and check in to a rest home. "Simon's Night" covers almost a week in Simon's life (and a lifetime via flashbacks); it happens to be the week during which Jimmy Carter was elected president.
This novel was about me. I live in northern Minnesota. I live alone. I have not found it necessary to enter a rest home, but that could change any day now. Simon reaches his decision, in part, after driving to St. Paul, forgetting that he drove there in his car, and taking the bus home. This has not happened to me, but I don't go to St. Paul all that often, and I've never taken the bus. The final deciding factor is when he inadvertently sets his kitchen on fire. That this hasn't happened to me is probably a matter of luck.
I'm digressing in an attempt to avoid actually reviewing "Simon's Night," because I can't quite explain why I liked this bittersweet, sometimes very funny little novel. I tend to like long, complicated novels written a minimum of 50 years ago. "Simon's Night" is short, simple and was written in 1979. By my lights, that's a modern novel.
But like it I did. I liked Simon. I liked that everyone called the restaurant in the town of Ithaca Mills the Open Soon, even though that wasn't its real name. I liked the trips into Simon's past.
A few passages -- a page or two at most -- were a bit dull. I thought some of the conversations and one or two of Simon's prayers were long-winded. Overall, I enjoyed "Simon's Night" immensely, and I missed it as soon as it was over.
This novel was about me. I live in northern Minnesota. I live alone. I have not found it necessary to enter a rest home, but that could change any day now. Simon reaches his decision, in part, after driving to St. Paul, forgetting that he drove there in his car, and taking the bus home. This has not happened to me, but I don't go to St. Paul all that often, and I've never taken the bus. The final deciding factor is when he inadvertently sets his kitchen on fire. That this hasn't happened to me is probably a matter of luck.
I'm digressing in an attempt to avoid actually reviewing "Simon's Night," because I can't quite explain why I liked this bittersweet, sometimes very funny little novel. I tend to like long, complicated novels written a minimum of 50 years ago. "Simon's Night" is short, simple and was written in 1979. By my lights, that's a modern novel.
But like it I did. I liked Simon. I liked that everyone called the restaurant in the town of Ithaca Mills the Open Soon, even though that wasn't its real name. I liked the trips into Simon's past.
A few passages -- a page or two at most -- were a bit dull. I thought some of the conversations and one or two of Simon's prayers were long-winded. Overall, I enjoyed "Simon's Night" immensely, and I missed it as soon as it was over.
April 20, 2014
There's only been a handful of times in my reading life where I've dreaded finishing a novel because I couldn't bear not having certain characters in my daily life.
This was one of them.
I abnormally prolonged the inevitable but today I let Simon Shea and the rest of the inhabitants of the Norman Home for the aged drift into the shadows forever. These people were never fiction to me. Simon's Night, just like Staggerford before it, is a novel that is literally ALIVE. Hassler's gift was making print on the page somehow exist in a very real way to the reader, with the author nowhere to be seen. No authorial grandstanding just workmanlike storytelling.
Can't wait for The Love Hunter!
This was one of them.
I abnormally prolonged the inevitable but today I let Simon Shea and the rest of the inhabitants of the Norman Home for the aged drift into the shadows forever. These people were never fiction to me. Simon's Night, just like Staggerford before it, is a novel that is literally ALIVE. Hassler's gift was making print on the page somehow exist in a very real way to the reader, with the author nowhere to be seen. No authorial grandstanding just workmanlike storytelling.
Can't wait for The Love Hunter!
June 20, 2010
Hassler is so good at creating characters who are real. This is one of his best in my opinion.
May 5, 2023
I have read most of Jon Hassler’s books. He was from the area where I grow up so made them most interesting. Great writer and Simon’s Night was a great story with many chuckles. I loved the bonus at the end with one of his journals.
March 26, 2011
I enjoyed this story. Simon is an appealing character.
3/26/11 - Adding the following:
From the GR description:
"Simon Shea, a retired professor of English ... has begun to forget things and is making dangerous errors in living. Thinking he needs to be cared for more closely, he commits himself to a private rest home, and opens a world of the strange, delightful, frightening, and comic, as he attempts to recover from his mistake."
Jon Hassler is a wonderful wordsmith. He expresses things so well, especially philosophical thoughts which echo my own feelings. He makes little observations about life that are right on. For example:
p.132 - "...no durable ties were formed ... they were both inclined to be loners. ... content with his own company ... His joys were the pleasures of solitude."
p.134 - "their closest neighbors ... they liked them as presences rather than personalities."
A GR reviewer compared this book to Anne Tyler's _Noah's Compass_.
See my review of NC at:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
3/26/11 - Adding the following:
From the GR description:
"Simon Shea, a retired professor of English ... has begun to forget things and is making dangerous errors in living. Thinking he needs to be cared for more closely, he commits himself to a private rest home, and opens a world of the strange, delightful, frightening, and comic, as he attempts to recover from his mistake."
Jon Hassler is a wonderful wordsmith. He expresses things so well, especially philosophical thoughts which echo my own feelings. He makes little observations about life that are right on. For example:
p.132 - "...no durable ties were formed ... they were both inclined to be loners. ... content with his own company ... His joys were the pleasures of solitude."
p.134 - "their closest neighbors ... they liked them as presences rather than personalities."
A GR reviewer compared this book to Anne Tyler's _Noah's Compass_.
See my review of NC at:
http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/...
April 9, 2012
For me, the most memorable of Hassler's books. Loved the storyline and actions of the main character - not sure how many people would "check themselves in" as Simon did, but his reaction and outcome are definitely worth the read. Great fun, but sad as well. Hassler captures aging very well in this book. Good book.
May 9, 2019
Certainly not so compelling as Staggerford, Simon's Night is far from a standard sophomore effort. It reaches higher and grapples with more complex issues of religion, relationships, purpose, and aging than most second novels. (I was struck by how few books I read center around an elderly character.)
Simon is a beloved retired lit professor from a small Minnesota liberal arts college who moves himself into an assisted-living home, of sorts, after he accidentally nearly burns down his house. The facility is really just a large house where a handful of older people live under the unloving, condescending eye of the proprietor. The residents get mindless companionship (from each other) and meals, but little else. The novel recounts Simon's life and loves, including his estranged wife, who hasn't lived with him in more than 30 years though they remain married, over the course of a week where Simon comes to grip with his new realities. Simon's Night feels much older in its subjects and tone than its copyright date of 1979 would indicate, and I'm struggling to put my finger on what makes it feel that way. I'll let that question percolate and return to this review if the revelation ever bubbles up.
Simon is a beloved retired lit professor from a small Minnesota liberal arts college who moves himself into an assisted-living home, of sorts, after he accidentally nearly burns down his house. The facility is really just a large house where a handful of older people live under the unloving, condescending eye of the proprietor. The residents get mindless companionship (from each other) and meals, but little else. The novel recounts Simon's life and loves, including his estranged wife, who hasn't lived with him in more than 30 years though they remain married, over the course of a week where Simon comes to grip with his new realities. Simon's Night feels much older in its subjects and tone than its copyright date of 1979 would indicate, and I'm struggling to put my finger on what makes it feel that way. I'll let that question percolate and return to this review if the revelation ever bubbles up.
October 10, 2017
My heart is broken. This is the last novel of Jon Hassler's that I hadn't yet read. And now I have no more new ones to discover. Simon is a late blooming college professor who only finds love at 40 only to almost immediately lose it to a louder, more emotional lout. Now at 76 he has decided his life is over and moves from his beloved cabin in the hills to a senior home out on the prairie. It takes Simon 6 days to admit to his mistake and decide to live until he dies. As with most of Hassler's characters, these are loner Mid westerners to their core. Loner often leads to lonely, and a quiet life is often mistaken for a boring life. But I do have to wonder how Simon keeps attracting these much younger women.
May 14, 2020
After a series of unfortunate events, Simon moves himself to a boarding home for senior citizens. There he finds that he is the only one who has not given up on life. Through the book we get to know Simon through not only what is happening in current time, but also through his reflections on the past and through his prayers. As a newly married man, Simon and Barbara had few close friends, but things come full circle when they become friends with a young couple. Twice Simon was old and becomes young again.
This isn't an exciting, fast moving story, yet it's a good story.
This isn't an exciting, fast moving story, yet it's a good story.
November 9, 2017
I mostly enjoyed this book, which has been sitting on my shelf for quite a few years. Simon was an endearing character despite (or because of?) his eccentricities. The part about Mrs. Kibbikoski's foot was a bit strange, though, I thought. I'm also not sure if I completely accept the fact that Barbara returns to Minnesota after so many years away.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 21, 2020
This is one of my favorites by Hassler. He is a master at creating characters. Simon grapples with his picture of God, his faith, his love of poetry and literature, and his love of the two women in his life. He shares the struggle between living your faith and living out of emotion. Another excellent visit with Simon Shea.
January 14, 2020
At age 27, I don’t know why I read a book about a 76 year old retired professor who checks himself in a rest home, but I’m glad a did. It was compelling to learn about Simon Shea, his experiences and the way he thinks
March 4, 2021
There is no doubt that Hassler can tell a story. He has great characters and puts them in situations that reveal their struggles and victories. I loved that Simon decides he is not ready for the old folks home but will be better to continue living his life.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 13, 2025
Early November 1976 in Northern Minnesota where a retired English professor thinks he is done with life. Turns out he is wrong. A delightful book about getting old, remembering life, and recognizing that there is still a lot to live for, up there on the edge of the prairie.
August 27, 2025
Good second helping of Hassler. Simon lost the love of his life by "keeping the (Catholic) faith" which I didn't quite find plausible, but that happens to people more religious than me. Loved the characters and setting by the by.
July 24, 2017
Didn't enjoy the story line....kind of boring plot.
February 19, 2018
Wonderful story and the characters seem like people I know...
December 10, 2018
Oh Johnny I love you! This book was ok. Classic John Hassler but not my favorite. The ending left a little to be desired but the middle was pretty good.
June 17, 2019
Another Hassler book that I loved.
December 14, 2019
Rounded up from 3.5
February 18, 2020
Thanks again to Kate for the tip. This was a wonderful companion for days and a journey I resisted ending. I found the read to be delightful, funny, touching, and often biographical. :)
July 23, 2020
I like Hassler's stories. His characters are gentle, quiet, kind, thinking people. He tells a good story.
December 18, 2020
Really liked this book. Have always enjoyed Jon Hassler.
August 9, 2021
Quaint and quirky. A fun quick read.
August 25, 2021
A most excellent read. Pertinent to existing circumstances.
October 26, 2021
A good yarn.
January 26, 2024
I was thrilled to find a Hassler book I’ve never read. It was well written but I didn’t enjoy the storyline.
February 24, 2024
Not my cup of tea. But a good reminder to lean into life and our time isn’t up until it’s up!
June 29, 2015
Wonderfully written, with great compassion for the humanity of each of his characters. There are goofy moments, but also poignant ones that brought me to the edge of tears.
The novel spans only a week of real time, though a good quarter of it is spent in flashbacks to influential times in Simon Shea's life. We learn a tremendous amount the man, and how he's come to be who he is. The path, like each of ours, is not straight, nor easy, nor well-planned, nor wise, nor even internally consistent, but Simon has arrived, largely intact, to his current situation - a thoughtful, kind man of 76, with a sharp intellect and sense of humor, albeit a bit scared about his inevitably declining health. And he grows from there.
The cast of characters that help Simon achieve this growth are marvelous. Quirkily real, but also infused with their own human frailties and strengths, they help Simon shake off his fear and realize how full a life still awaits him. There are stumbles, and unexpected turns, but we see Simon gathering strength throughout, and, while it was not apparent exactly where he would be when the novel ended, it was clear that he'd be in a better place when it did.
As to the supporting characters that I enjoyed so much, I can only hope to encounter many of them in other Staggerford books, and learn more about them, hoping that minor characters become major ones as in Wendell Berry's Port William, or Richard Russo's Mohawk. Regardless, I am looking very much forward to reading my next Hassler novel.
The novel spans only a week of real time, though a good quarter of it is spent in flashbacks to influential times in Simon Shea's life. We learn a tremendous amount the man, and how he's come to be who he is. The path, like each of ours, is not straight, nor easy, nor well-planned, nor wise, nor even internally consistent, but Simon has arrived, largely intact, to his current situation - a thoughtful, kind man of 76, with a sharp intellect and sense of humor, albeit a bit scared about his inevitably declining health. And he grows from there.
The cast of characters that help Simon achieve this growth are marvelous. Quirkily real, but also infused with their own human frailties and strengths, they help Simon shake off his fear and realize how full a life still awaits him. There are stumbles, and unexpected turns, but we see Simon gathering strength throughout, and, while it was not apparent exactly where he would be when the novel ended, it was clear that he'd be in a better place when it did.
As to the supporting characters that I enjoyed so much, I can only hope to encounter many of them in other Staggerford books, and learn more about them, hoping that minor characters become major ones as in Wendell Berry's Port William, or Richard Russo's Mohawk. Regardless, I am looking very much forward to reading my next Hassler novel.
November 24, 2010
This was an enjoyable light book about a retired professor in Minnesota, Simon Shea, who checks himself into a retirement home as he is worried he cannot cope living on his own in the hills. He soon realises that the other residents have given up on life, and his young female doctor tells him that he should escape while he still can. Over the next few days, there are a variety of incidents which would undoubtedly be hilarious on film, as well as various conversations and recollections, all of which make him wonder if he ought to follow her advice.
There are poignant observations on life, love, aging and death, and in many ways it is reminiscent of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. The book was easy to read, but was marred by a number of spelling mistakes, one of which included a mention of the Martellow [sic] Tower (no w!) in Ireland which should have been easy enough to check on, even pre-internet. When Simon is there in 1957, he is surprised to find no celebration of Bloomsday or James Joyce, but the tower was only converted into a museum 1n 1962, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Jo... .
Notable quotes:
"Strange how we hate to witness the grief at a funeral, and yet a funeral without that grief is somehow unsatisfactory."
"Everyone needs to be taken seriously by at least a few people in life; no one can tolerate being lightly dismissed day after day."
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/6...
There are poignant observations on life, love, aging and death, and in many ways it is reminiscent of 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'. The book was easy to read, but was marred by a number of spelling mistakes, one of which included a mention of the Martellow [sic] Tower (no w!) in Ireland which should have been easy enough to check on, even pre-internet. When Simon is there in 1957, he is surprised to find no celebration of Bloomsday or James Joyce, but the tower was only converted into a museum 1n 1962, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_Jo... .
Notable quotes:
"Strange how we hate to witness the grief at a funeral, and yet a funeral without that grief is somehow unsatisfactory."
"Everyone needs to be taken seriously by at least a few people in life; no one can tolerate being lightly dismissed day after day."
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/6...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews