Monday, January 29, 2018

Book Review - Our Souls At Night

Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf is a rather pleasant, low-key read. Haruf’s style is quite folksy, and he develops rich characters. Even with a slow pace, you want to hang out and visit with these people. Have a beer and/or a glass of wine with Addie Moore and Louis Waters, and see where it takes them.  Holt, Colorado is a small town with plenty to gossip about and when Addie and Louis start to be seen together (why, he’s knocking at her door after dark!), well…shut my mouth! 

Turns out, Addie knocked on Louis’s door with a proposition. Why not come over and spend the night? No, not in THAT way, for goodness sake. Just companionship. Both spouses passed a while ago, and the nights sure do get long. Louis contemplates this turn of events and calls her – I’ll be over tomorrow night, if that’s okay.  Sure. And there you go – a budding new friendship is in the works.
They ask each other questions and talk. They also sit in companionable silence. But there’s something to be said for just hearing breathing, having a touch of a hand, and a meal together.

Things blossom. Their adult kids are shocked and question what’s going on in their lives. And unfortunately, some senior health issues come into play.

I recommend reading the book first and then watching the Netflix version starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. Excellent pairing/acting and fairly close to the book until the end. Typical Hollywood. But that’s okay. If you read the Our Souls at Night first, you’ll know the author’s intent.

P.S. Kent Haruf’s lack of quotation marks drove me crazy.  He said. She said. None of that at times. It took me a bit to get into his rhythm. Harrumph.


16 comments:

  1. Well, I can't follow your advice because I already saw the movie. As a widow, I could really relate and enjoyed. Not sure if I want to know the writer's intent here, but glad you enjoyed the book.

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    1. hey - at least you know what I'm referring to and the movie was well done.

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  2. I almost never enjoy the movies much after I've read the book. I haven't read this one, or seen the film, but it sounds like a nice sweet read.

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    1. it was our book club selection. I read it and then found the movie. It was worth the time. Quick read

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  3. Might not be my type of read but I can watch the film.

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  4. A good review Joanne but as a widow I might not want to watch.
    Enjoy the week.

    Yvonne.

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    1. no, that could touch a nerve. But it's well done and tasteful

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  5. The movie was decent indeed, never read the book though, movies usually stink more than the books.

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  6. I already saw the movie. I didn't know it was based on a book. I liked the movie, but probably won't read the book since I know the ending. Glad you enjoyed it.

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    1. no need to read this one, but it was short and sweet

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  7. Haven't seen the film or read the book, though I'd prefer to read rather than watch. Hang on, might make sense to make an exception for Robert Redfort though - one of my fav actors ever!

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  8. It's such a great title. I've not read the book or seen the film, or really knew anything about it.

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  9. Sounds sweet and a bit like On Golden Pond.
    Nice. Thank you, Joanne.
    Hope all's well.

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