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vivakresh's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
borderhopper's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was my first Stegner novel and I'm kind of glad I read it at about the same age as the protagonist; that is, as an older man. It's a book that focuses on what a person finds of interest and value in the memories of their past, some of which needs to be resurrected with the help of a re-found journal and re-evaluated to fit into the appreciation of a life that went in a different direction than it might have.
Stegner's language is beautifully crafted and I wandered in and out of his sentences feeling rewarded.
Stegner's language is beautifully crafted and I wandered in and out of his sentences feeling rewarded.
adrastheia's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
>>There is a feeling part of us that does not grow old at all. [...] there we would be, untouched by time, unwithered, vulnerable, afflicted and volatile and blind to consequence [...]<<
>>[...] I felt inside me somewhere, adjacent to or below the ailing heart, a hungry, thirsty, empty, sore, haunted sensation of being unfinished, random, and unattached, as if, even if the heart were working perfectly, there was nothing there for it to run.<<
This one needed some getting into. Firstly, I thought the font wasn't particularly friendly to the eyes. There is very little space it seems. This, of course, has nothing to do with the text, but the edition.
Secondly, although the language is superb at times, I felt the narration drags on now and then and I waited for the story to proceed.
It took me a while to understand that the book is - eventhough it operates in two differend time levels - contemplative more than action driven. The protagonist muses about what has happened long ago and I needed some time to getting used to his voice. I didn't care for Joe in the first third of the book. Only later did I discover his utterly human and pretty relatable core.
I experimented with the audio book, a very well done reading, which added to my understanding of the characters. Although I had an idea about the mystery aspect, the solution was astonishing still and the bittersweet ending suited the overall tone of the novel.
At 38, I might be a little young to completely get Joe and what he goes through, but I have a feeling I might cross paths with Stegner further down the road. In the preface it says that this is the second book about Joe Allston and "All the little live things" shows the family as it was before. I might look that one up, but will let "The Spectator Bird" sit a little first.
Thank you for providing this book. I had never heard of Wallace Stegner before. It was no easy read and it required patience on my part. I felt, however, that it paid off and posed some interesting questions about life and love, decisions and values.
>>[...] I felt inside me somewhere, adjacent to or below the ailing heart, a hungry, thirsty, empty, sore, haunted sensation of being unfinished, random, and unattached, as if, even if the heart were working perfectly, there was nothing there for it to run.<<
This one needed some getting into. Firstly, I thought the font wasn't particularly friendly to the eyes. There is very little space it seems. This, of course, has nothing to do with the text, but the edition.
Secondly, although the language is superb at times, I felt the narration drags on now and then and I waited for the story to proceed.
It took me a while to understand that the book is - eventhough it operates in two differend time levels - contemplative more than action driven. The protagonist muses about what has happened long ago and I needed some time to getting used to his voice. I didn't care for Joe in the first third of the book. Only later did I discover his utterly human and pretty relatable core.
I experimented with the audio book, a very well done reading, which added to my understanding of the characters. Although I had an idea about the mystery aspect, the solution was astonishing still and the bittersweet ending suited the overall tone of the novel.
At 38, I might be a little young to completely get Joe and what he goes through, but I have a feeling I might cross paths with Stegner further down the road. In the preface it says that this is the second book about Joe Allston and "All the little live things" shows the family as it was before. I might look that one up, but will let "The Spectator Bird" sit a little first.
Thank you for providing this book. I had never heard of Wallace Stegner before. It was no easy read and it required patience on my part. I felt, however, that it paid off and posed some interesting questions about life and love, decisions and values.
doramac's review against another edition
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
shoba's review against another edition
3.0
By definition a prejudice is a principle that it’s owner does not intend to examine. Which does not prove it is wrong.
muci's review against another edition
4.0
good entertaining story, dragged on a little too much but still enjoyed it
cintiandrade's review against another edition
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
spoko's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I wasn't enjoying it much through the first half or so. But as the Denmark portion of the story developed, I became more intrigued. Even the California parts had more color & interest at that point, so it finished strong.
swoody788's review against another edition
4.0
Maybe I'm being rash but I think this book has cemented Stegner in place as one of my favorite authors, possibly even my favorite author. With each of his works I feel as if I've stumbled on some secret power that I can reread and consult for the rest of my life, and that each time I partake I will learn and appreciate even more.
This book (as are his others that I've read so far) is full of wisdom and truth and is so satisfyingly contemplative, all while being as far from pretentious or stuffy as a book about growing old could be. Allston's constant literary references are one of my greatest delights and his curmudgeonly humor seeps through in a familiar and lovable way. Now I really want to read Out of Africa.
Only 4 stars because there were a few passages I could have done without as well as a bizarre side plot, but all are easy to overlook when thinking about the beauty of the book as a whole.
This book (as are his others that I've read so far) is full of wisdom and truth and is so satisfyingly contemplative, all while being as far from pretentious or stuffy as a book about growing old could be. Allston's constant literary references are one of my greatest delights and his curmudgeonly humor seeps through in a familiar and lovable way. Now I really want to read Out of Africa.
Only 4 stars because there were a few passages I could have done without as well as a bizarre side plot, but all are easy to overlook when thinking about the beauty of the book as a whole.