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emilyfredrickson's review
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My favorite short story was Making It Home
buckeyegal81267's review
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
book_beat's review
5.0
“I know [grandpa’s] hands, their way of holding a hammer or a hoe or a set of checklines, as well as I know my own…. The shape of his hand is printed on the flesh of my thigh as vividly as a birthmark. This man who was my grandfather is present in me, as I felt always his father to be present in him.” — Fidelity, Wendell Berry
As a reader, I enjoy when a story gives voice to my own. I rest in words that sharpen my everyday images — images that can otherwise dull with repetition. I feel my brain spin, looking for a memory, to understand my feelings, and then it slows with comfort in a connection; my story and his. I read to learn about others, and sometimes I read to learn about me.
Wendell Berry’s FIDELITY is a short story collection about Port William and its members. The stories are more action-packed than his other short story collection THE WILD BIRDS but still very contemplative. And they are more distinctive from each other (I found THE WILD BIRDS to be very cohesive and stories seemed to flow into one another).
My two favorite stories from this collection: PRAY WITHOUT CEASING tells of Mat Feltner’s death though the eyes of his grandson, who also learns the unbelievable death of his great-grandfather. And FIDELITY, the title story, tells of the life and death of Burley Coulter (I believe this is the only story dedicated to his character, who is quite possibly my favorite character in all of Port William). Suffice to say, that one will linger with me.
Do you read an author to learn about yourself? And (I ask this a lot but never tire of hearing your answers) do you have a favorite Berry title? It’s time to start my next.
As a reader, I enjoy when a story gives voice to my own. I rest in words that sharpen my everyday images — images that can otherwise dull with repetition. I feel my brain spin, looking for a memory, to understand my feelings, and then it slows with comfort in a connection; my story and his. I read to learn about others, and sometimes I read to learn about me.
Wendell Berry’s FIDELITY is a short story collection about Port William and its members. The stories are more action-packed than his other short story collection THE WILD BIRDS but still very contemplative. And they are more distinctive from each other (I found THE WILD BIRDS to be very cohesive and stories seemed to flow into one another).
My two favorite stories from this collection: PRAY WITHOUT CEASING tells of Mat Feltner’s death though the eyes of his grandson, who also learns the unbelievable death of his great-grandfather. And FIDELITY, the title story, tells of the life and death of Burley Coulter (I believe this is the only story dedicated to his character, who is quite possibly my favorite character in all of Port William). Suffice to say, that one will linger with me.
Do you read an author to learn about yourself? And (I ask this a lot but never tire of hearing your answers) do you have a favorite Berry title? It’s time to start my next.
alltheradreads's review
3.0
It was originally here that I heard about Wendell Berry, and then I read this about him and wanted to just read everything by him. He's written so much, so I'll spend a lifetime trying to get my hands on all of it, which is a great problem to have. These five stories are all poignant and unique and paint beautiful pictures of his characters that are unlike any others. This was a great read for a breezy summer evening in my hammock between two big trees with a cider in hand.
bittercactus's review
5.0
Lovely, elegant and simple writing. Pastoral and political at the same time. Sweet and sad. I always forget how much I love a good collection of short stories.
theano_'s review
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
chelsea21's review against another edition
5.0
I picked this up as a placeholder while I waited for other books to arrive (books I needed to vet for book clubs). Which means I read this purely for leisure. There’s a trifecta of sorts just in the appearance of FIDELITY — Wendell Berry + short stories + the most perfect cover ever designed. There’s a biblical feel to the cadence of Berry’s writing that is so comforting, like coming home.
The second story in this collection, “A Jonquil for Mary Penn”, is one of the best things I have ever read.
The second story in this collection, “A Jonquil for Mary Penn”, is one of the best things I have ever read.
ericmusic82's review
5.0
This was my introduction to Wendell Berry, and I loved this collection of short stories. I particularly enjoyed the story of the same name as the title. There are tragic moments that he is able to redeem through the relationships and humanity of the people in this small Kentucky rural town.