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carrlll's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
larryerick's review
5.0
It is possible this is not my all-time favorite collection of short stories. But if it's not, then it's certainly close enough to be standing on its toes. On several occasions, tears came to my eyes while reading, not from a particular scene's sadness, but from the sheer beauty of the depth of humanity revealed. I've tried to describe this book to others, citing the fictional Port William location somewhat reminiscent of the old TV show, "The Waltons", but that comparison fails miserably to avoid the sentimentality of the TV show while still far exceeding the depth of human thoughts, feelings, and interactions that allow the reader to savor it so fully. The author has written a number of works centered on his Port William community, and I had previously read, with great satisfaction one of his novels, Jayber Crow, so I was concerned that a collection of short stories would seem too disjointed. Quite to the contrary, the collection proved that it could easily have stood together as a novel, presenting its characters over time, had it been written as such. Each story stands very well on its own, but the collection gives added depth to each of the others. Very, very highly recommended.
sharon_b's review
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
simplymary's review
3.0
I really do like Wendell Berry's writing, but I think I started with the wrong book. Maybe it's better to read "Jayber Crow" and "Hannah Coulter" before this one? I like the idea of following a small town or place through its many generations, but there were just too many new characters and stories throughout the long book, which spanned over 150 years. I'd have edited it differently. The chapter where Ptolemy Proudfoot falls in love with Miss Minnie is one of the best things I have ever read and could be its own stand-alone story, ranking right up there with "Little House on the Prairie" and "The Music Man." I'm going to give Berry's nonfiction a try next...I've heard great things about his poetry.
dave37's review
5.0
A terrific set of stories. Each provides a tale that enriches the tapestry of Port William. Many are more somber than the novels I've read, with several telling the story of the passing of several of the main characters from the novels.
My only quibble was arranging them in chronological order of the time each story purportedly took place. I'd prefer to have had them in the order Berry wrote them, for a further glimpse into the evolution of the families and place in his mind.
My only quibble was arranging them in chronological order of the time each story purportedly took place. I'd prefer to have had them in the order Berry wrote them, for a further glimpse into the evolution of the families and place in his mind.
krcain18's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
mamatoca's review against another edition
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
mattshervheim's review against another edition
5.0
I have so many thoughts about Wendell Berry, but tonight isn't the night to set them to paper. For now, I'll just say this is a great collection of short stories, and Michael Kramer does a fine job as reader.