Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.91 AVERAGE
3.91 AVERAGE
What a good writer. This was written and takes place in the 70s, and there are many references to that time which are not exactly dated, but historic. The timeless theme that spoke most to me was that of aging, including the physical effects of his arthritis (me too.) I wonder what it would be like to read this as a young person? His looking back at events of 20 years before made perfect sense to me.
This book moves gently, if crankily, along (that is, the main character is a bit cranky..)and then at the end there is a revelation that I didn't anticipate at all.
Interesting how Denmark (where the remembered events took place) was seen as a limited and uninteresting place. Was that the view of the character, or was that the view of the 70s?
This book moves gently, if crankily, along (that is, the main character is a bit cranky..)and then at the end there is a revelation that I didn't anticipate at all.
Interesting how Denmark (where the remembered events took place) was seen as a limited and uninteresting place. Was that the view of the character, or was that the view of the 70s?
This book has such a boring cover, but it was quite good, if very slow. Joe and his wife Ruth receive a postcard from a friend they stayed with on a trip to Denmark 20 years ago, and Joe revisits his journals from that trip. The old couple bicker as only old couples who've been together their whole lives can, as Joe faces his mortality and that of the people around him. And remembers the exiled countess whose home they stayed at over their extended trip to find out more about Joe's mother, who emigrated to the U.S. from Denmark before his birth.
It's very intimate and quiet, until it's not. And Joe is clearly depressed, but his wry, dry voice spoke to me and made me chuckle a few times.
CW: death, chronic illness, incest, depression
It's very intimate and quiet, until it's not. And Joe is clearly depressed, but his wry, dry voice spoke to me and made me chuckle a few times.
CW: death, chronic illness, incest, depression
An incredibly introspective novel, told from Joe’s often morbid POV. I listened to this on Audible and sometimes got lost between the past and the present.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Definitely of its time. Fairly typical boring old white man sexist nonsense, with some insight and beautiful prose mixed in
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The first few pages of this story simply blew me away: Stegner's ability to choose exactly the right word to create a vivid picture, tone, and character is staggering, even when I was listening and not looking/reviewing/revisiting actual text. However, as the book went on, I found the character of Joe Allston and his perspective on life and people to be depressing and exhausting, so I took a break from the audio to listen to music (and follow the government shut down scenario. . . ). When I returned, the incredible scenario of the Countess's family tale caught me and carried me through to the end of the novel.
Overall, I found the book strange and uneven: the story of the Danish nobility is weird and scurrilous; the "front story" of the Allstons' retirement is depressing and unfinished, as the novel ends with the dinner party with the fatally ill friend still ahead; the whole conceit of Joe and his wife reliving this 20 year old experience through his journals is both unrealistic and odd. Overlying the whole experience was my deep awareness of Stegner's skill as a writer, and my matching wonderment about why he chose to craft this particular bundle of ideas and characters. When I learned it was written in the 70's, somehow it all made sense, as this odd combo of grief, loss, longing, skill, and insight seems to fit with the characteristics of that time period (writes one who was 7 - 17 during it!).
Anyway: interesting but uneven.
Overall, I found the book strange and uneven: the story of the Danish nobility is weird and scurrilous; the "front story" of the Allstons' retirement is depressing and unfinished, as the novel ends with the dinner party with the fatally ill friend still ahead; the whole conceit of Joe and his wife reliving this 20 year old experience through his journals is both unrealistic and odd. Overlying the whole experience was my deep awareness of Stegner's skill as a writer, and my matching wonderment about why he chose to craft this particular bundle of ideas and characters. When I learned it was written in the 70's, somehow it all made sense, as this odd combo of grief, loss, longing, skill, and insight seems to fit with the characteristics of that time period (writes one who was 7 - 17 during it!).
Anyway: interesting but uneven.
I'm always bedazzled by the writing of Stegner. This was not my favorite but I appreciated the message. Always worth my while.
Stegner's writing is intelligent and intriguing. Both Spectator Bird and Angle of Repose take place in the past and the present, and they are interwoven nicely. In this book, he tackles aging (as in AoR) and family roles-- Joe Allston's mother and son have passed away, neither with a sense of closure or resolution. He revisits journals written during his and his wife's trip to Denmark to resolve those relationships. Reading the journals aloud to his wife, their relationship is examined. I love his writing style and I am going to look for more of his books.
Deep, dark reflections on a life lived from the perspective of an aging man who feels his pain both emotionally and physically. Regret, love , jealousy, shame, empathy, hope, joy and despair - deep rooted emotions from start to finish. Stegner does what he does - beautifully written and smart. Not an "Angle of Repose" by any stretch, but a fine and engaging read. 4 stars
I listened to this. I really enjoyed it. I think I'm the right demographic for it! However, it would be helpful to have a family tree come with it!! Maybe the print version has one?