Reviews

The Abundance: Narrative Essays Old and New by Annie Dillard

lsparrow's review against another edition

2.0

I love the concept of this writers style - non fiction as novel. however it is the style of writing where I feel i am going to fall asleep and I cannot stay connected to the writing. The best part of this audio books was turning on the car and it coming on and the look on my kids faces trying to figure out what was being said. I did love much of her languages and phrases - one that stuck was "we locked eyes and someone threw away the key"... so poetic

philippakmoore's review against another edition

4.0

The Abundance is a collection of Annie Dillard's essays that have been previously published in other volumes - it's an ideal starting point for someone new to her work. She has a poet's touch and eye, and her writing is wonderful to read, it always gives me a new perspective on life and makes me think more deeply about the world. Her words on the creative life and the craft of writing are particularly resonant and enjoyable to read.

henrikhofgen's review against another edition

5.0

Schokkend hoe verrassend boeken kunnen zijn. Wat een essays, verbluffend.

Hier een van Dillards catchy zinnen: “The answer must be, I think, that beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will or sense them. The least we can do is try to be there.”

laurenexploresbooks's review against another edition

adventurous informative reflective medium-paced

3.75

I found this work was full of delightful essays and thoughtful pondering about life and nature. 

kxiong5's review against another edition

4.0

not for light reading, but really good writing. need to reference for tips on building an image in an impressionist style. style almost reminded me of HOD, which is a new feeling.

mayatatiana's review against another edition

5.0

I would give it 6 stars if I could! I didn't even know my soul was so tired until this book woke it back up! Dillard's writing is magical and makes you look at the "ordinary" with fresh eyes and excitement. It was like washing my face with freezing cold water. A paragraph about a sheet of ice moved me to tears. When I finished it I just flipped back to the beginning and started it over again. I can't wait to go back and read all the full books that these excerpts are from. (Pro tip: Read it out loud if you can.)

stephaniejo's review against another edition

challenging emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

3.5

andforgotten's review against another edition

4.0

Being a 'best of' collection, the essays included in The Abundance lack the thematic and narrative structure I think would be present in the original collections. It does, however, serve as a great introduction to Annie Dillard's work by including essays on a broad spectrum of topics. I was especially fascinated by her nature writing, which is, I think, where her prose is the most thrilling and electrifying. I will definitely find more of that to read in the future.

stephaniecaye's review against another edition

challenging funny hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing slow-paced

5.0

ohnoflora's review against another edition

5.0

The jump between essays from different collections can be a little jarring - going from the sublime "Paganism" to the smaller scale pieces about her childhood, for example. However, the quality of the writing, the imperative to look (really look) and see (really see), more than makes up for this.

I don't quite gel with her more theist religious pieces but I appreciate the quest she takes us on.