Play Book Tag discussion

Eventide - Kent Haruf
Digital audiobook performed by George Hearn
5*****

Continuing the story of the residents of fictional Holt, Colorado, the novel features some of the same characters that readers came to love in Plainsong . The McPheron brothers see Victoria Roubideaux move off their ranch to begin college; Maggie Jones once again displays the compassion and good sense that make her such a wonderful teacher; Tom Guthrie and his boys make an appearance as well. And social worker Rose Tyler finds that the burden of helping people who sometimes cannot be helped is made a little easier with a strong shoulder to cry on. New characters move the story of the town and its residents forward: a young boy helps his aged grandfather, a woman with two girls tries to find her way now that her husband has left, and a couple with limited resources have difficulty caring for their two children.

Life can be hard in Holt. Accidents cause injury and death. Alcohol fuels violent tendencies and foolish behavior. Misunderstandings lead to wounded egos and bruised sensibilities. Then again, there are scenes of tenderness and caring that touch my heart and give me faith in humankind. People rise to the occasion and help one another without thought to payback or obligation. Couples find humor in their situation, or reach out to comfort one another. People made hard decisions and move forward with courage and grace in the face of adversity.

And I just have to comment on how Haruf paints the landscape. I felt the bitter wind of a December midnight, saw the weak sunlight on wide open fields, smelled the squalor of an unkempt trailer, or relished in the sights and sounds of a spring afternoon.

I came late to the party when it comes to reading Haruf. But better late than never. As I came to the end of this novel I found myself mourning his passing all over again. A week or so after I finished listening to the audio, I picked up the text and read it again, cover to cover.

George Hearn does a fine job narrating the audiobook. He has the perfect pace and tone for this quiet novel. He really brings these characters to life; I particularly love how he voices the McPheron brothers.



LINK to my review

Great review. His next book (after Eventide) called Benediction was the last time I cried reading a book. I don't cry a lot btw. He was a great writer.

Oh, I love Kent Haruf! Every book he wrote was wonderful.

Charlie wrote: "Great review. His next book (after Eventide) called Benediction was the last time I cried reading a book. I don't cry a lot btw. He was a great writer."

I liked Benediction very much too, I also cried.

I just finished Our Souls at Night and adored every word. I've moved on to Plainsong straight away.

I heard yesterday they're making a movie of it with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. I think that's why they re-published my review today. They always do that when a movie is coming out.

Great review. Like revisiting with family. Just those six books, all good. You reading the text version immediately after an audio version speaks volumes.

Amy wrote: "I heard yesterday they're making a movie of it with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. I think that's why they re-published my review today. They always do that when a movie is coming out."

The movie of Our Souls at Night is being released on Netflix this Friday.

Oh I hope Netflix Australia gets it too!

Susie wrote: "I just finished Our Souls at Night and adored every word. I've moved on to Plainsong straight away."

I finished All Souls at Night about a week ago. The entire series has been a delight.

I need to read this author . . .all I see are raves.

Anita wrote: "I need to read this author . . .all I see are raves."

I do think you'd like his work- his writing style is so quiet.

Anita, I think you'll love his writing.

Anita wrote: "I need to read this author . . .all I see are raves."

Yes, you do!

Amy wrote: "I heard yesterday they're making a movie of it with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. I think that's why they re-published my review today. They always do that when a movie is coming out."

that's PERFECT

Anita wrote: "I need to read this author . . .all I see are raves."

You will like them

Nicole D. wrote: "Anita wrote: "I need to read this author . . .all I see are raves."

You will like them"

I think you will like them. Start with Plainsong

I agree with Linda and Nicole. Anita, I think you'd like them.