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ecthompson's review
4.0
It’s simple and not much happens, but the writing is beautifully done and cozy.
brentandvickie1978's review
4.0
Great storytelling. Set in 1943. Andy goes on a visit to grandparents and extended family.
jenaiauman's review against another edition
4.0
Andy Catlett is such a great, low key read, highlighting the beauty in the ordinary as an older gentlemen reflects on the time he was a lone-traveler at 9-years-old back in 1943. Leaving his nuclear family home to visit the homes of his parents’ childhoods, exploring different ways of living, and articulating the changes in both the literal and socioeconomic landscape in a time of world war, Berry obviously reveres the time of simplicity, but he doesn’t shy away from the simple fact that black Americans, descendants of slaves, hold place in a different type of space.
“To be complicit at all, even thoughtlessly by custom, was to be complicit in the whole extent and reach of the injustice. It is hard for customary indifference to utstick itself from the abominations to which it tacitly consents.
Berry’s wisdom is timeless and well-grounded.
My edition of choice was the audiobook available through the hoopla app.
“To be complicit at all, even thoughtlessly by custom, was to be complicit in the whole extent and reach of the injustice. It is hard for customary indifference to utstick itself from the abominations to which it tacitly consents.
Berry’s wisdom is timeless and well-grounded.
My edition of choice was the audiobook available through the hoopla app.
puddleglum's review against another edition
4.0
A wonderful book. Not as intensely emotional as the other Port William books I've read- Hannah Coulter and Jayber Crow in particular, but perhaps the one I've empathized with the most so far. He writes as the last carrier of memories about coping with the passing of time and of losing those we love. A favorite quote from the book:
"We measure time by its deaths, yes, and by its births. For time is told also by life. As some depart, others come. The hand opened in farewell remains open in welcome. I, who once had grandparents and parents, now have children and grandchildren. Like the flowing river that is yet always present, time that is always going is always coming. And time that is told by death and birth is held and redeemed by love, which is always present. Time, then, is told by love's losses, and by the coming of love, and by love continuing in gratitude for what is lost. It is folded and enfolded and unfolded forever and ever, the love by which the dead are alive and the unborn welcomed into the womb. The great question for the old and dying, I think, is not if they have loved and been loved enough, but if they have been grateful enough for love received and given, however much. No one who has gratitude is the onliest one. Let us pray to be grateful to the last."
"We measure time by its deaths, yes, and by its births. For time is told also by life. As some depart, others come. The hand opened in farewell remains open in welcome. I, who once had grandparents and parents, now have children and grandchildren. Like the flowing river that is yet always present, time that is always going is always coming. And time that is told by death and birth is held and redeemed by love, which is always present. Time, then, is told by love's losses, and by the coming of love, and by love continuing in gratitude for what is lost. It is folded and enfolded and unfolded forever and ever, the love by which the dead are alive and the unborn welcomed into the womb. The great question for the old and dying, I think, is not if they have loved and been loved enough, but if they have been grateful enough for love received and given, however much. No one who has gratitude is the onliest one. Let us pray to be grateful to the last."
amy_h_45's review against another edition
5.0
Another beautiful, quiet tale from Wendell Berry. His writing makes me long for a life I didn’t know I was missing.
clive4ever's review against another edition
4.0
If enjoy thoughtful, reflective books, you can’t go wrong with Wendell Berry. Especially wonderful on audio.
factandfables's review against another edition
5.0
This was an incredibly sweet and simple tale. Wendell Berry's Port William feels like home to me after having read so many of his books and this small story was a gem.
livingpalm1's review
4.0
The story of young Andy's first solo visit to both sets of grandparents. It's a story of a nine-year-old's rite of passage and a recounting of all the small, but poignant details a child remembers from time spent with loving grandparents. This will now be the book I recommend as an introduction to all of the Port William novels.
More at my blog: http://www.tamarahillmurphy.com/blogthissacramentallife/best-of-february/2017/2/9?rq=best%20of%20february
More at my blog: http://www.tamarahillmurphy.com/blogthissacramentallife/best-of-february/2017/2/9?rq=best%20of%20february
rachel92886's review
4.0
My first Wendell berry read and it was enjoyable. I listened to the audiobook which was well done.
charity1313's review
5.0
Wendell Berry's beautiful writing + the holidays + childhood in Port William = holiday perfection. Infinitely quotable, as per usual. Fascinating history and lovable characters. I always love visiting this fictional community.