One of the most beloved novels in recent years, Plainsong was a best-seller from coast to coast—and now Kent Haruf returns to the High Plains community of Holt, Colorado, with a story of even more masterful authority.
I read this book not long ago but re-reading today's opening makes me want to read it again for the sheer beauty of Haruf's descriptive writing. Clint Eastwood is old enough now, he could play one of the elderly brothers in a movie...the writing makes the scene spring to life. A book to read slowly.
Think this was an audio book a while back - I looked it up on amazon then to read an excerpt and must say for me it's a little slow going - maybe that' s just the beginning - to set up the story and characters - so I've already read this far - maybe by the end of the week it will rally my attention - if not, I have other books on my list of "to read" books -
I think you're right Doris, it is a slow read. Usually I burn right through a book and then am disappointed when it ends. With this book I had to consciously put the brakes on and slow my reading down.
Once again I was able to get a copy from the library so I'm ahead of the e-mail reads. The characters are just wonderful and the story is intriguing. The writing is so descriptive you just feel like you're there. Now, after all the praise, comes the complaint. Why do writers use "gimmicks" when they don't add to the total work? In this case, it's the omission of quotation marks. The style is a bit off-putting, and making the reading a little bumpy. But, all the positives outweigh this negative, and I'll read on.
Instead of Clint Eastwaood, how about Robert Redford and Paul Newman? We haven't seen them together in a western since Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, and they'd be great as the two aging cowboy characters in this book.
Great to hear that someone read it and recommends it. I am going to go out and get it today based on what the seven reviews have said so far.
Keep the reviews coming!
Love this website.....
Isn't Plainsong a book also by Kent Haruf? Are they a series? If so, would it really matter if I read Plainsong first or could I just pick up Eventide and understand everything even if I haven't read Plainsong?
I haven't read Plainsong (will do so as soon as I can get it) and I'm not having any trouble with Eventide. The characters are so rich and belilevable. I know all the stories will intersect, but with just 75 pages to go I haven't figured out how that's going to happen. Hope you stay with it, Doris. I think you'll like it. But I still miss those quotation marks!
Plainsong is the book before Eventide. It introduces the brothers and I forget her name again. But each book can be read alone. If you plan on reading both, read Plainsong first.
I was catching up on my e-mail and found this was a book club title. I think it is great! It probably helps that I grew up in a Colorado town just like Holt. I love Haruf's subtle style and the story really gets into your head. I highly recommend Plainsong, if you are enjoying this one!
