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4.1 AVERAGE
4.1 AVERAGE
The writing is beautiful. Great descriptions, character development, and the love and long lasting friendships in good and bad times.
Stegner's sense of place is as important as his characters...intertwined with them. From UW Madison to the eastern family vacation compound, I felt immersed in the unfolding of the two couples' lives. I thoroughly enjoyed the detailed and leisurely pace of the writing, mimicking the ebbs and flows of lifelong friendships. Will be reading more of Stegner's work...perhaps some of his conservation writings.
How had I not read any Wallace Stegner before this?! I am now on a mission to read all of his novels.
Loved this story that rawly explored relationships, friendships with a pristine beauty.
A bit too quiet for my taste at the moment, and way too much analysis from the narrative voice. Really interesting friendship between two couples from the Depression through the early 70s, but there were some holes left in their story.
emotional
reflective
sad
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:
Complicated
4+ stars for the quality of the writing and Wallace Stegner's incredible observational skills when it comes to human relationships and character. However, I found myself rather bored by the story at various points. A difficult book for me to rate/review, but I would like to read some more of his work.
emotional
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The writing is very good. The basic storyline is a study of the relationship between 2couples, and how it changes over the years. Nature also plays a big part, as all as intellectualism. The were parts that were rather dry, and dragged on. The husbands both started out as professors, although one's career changes paths. The attitude of the characters can be rather pretentious, and Sally's personally dominates the relationship over the years; however good is not uncommon in many group friendships, in my experience. I enjoyed the writing, and the description of the beauty in nature, but it was hard trudging through some of the passages.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character