Kent Haruf passed away only a week after his publisher received this swansong, and the story is all the more powerful for it.Brief Summary of Book: Our Souls at Night by Kent Haruf What is also striking about this re-imagined boy meets girl story is that it was the author's last. Can this be overcome, or will they succumb to the pressure and break the bond that they have formed? Whilst listening to this wonderfully narrated edition, my preconceptions of romance in the later years of life were challenged in the most subtle and poignant ways. As their relationship slowly develops, the pair face harsh criticism and judgement from gossiping neighbours and even their families - threatening their now essential relationship. Aware of her loneliness, Addie seeks companionship from widower Louis. Louis and Addie live only a stone's throw away from each other on the outskirts of small-town Colorado. It is a touching and thought-provoking tale of love found in the later stages of life. 4 all around starsĪs a recently popular book club novel, 'Our Souls at Night' has received a lot of interest of late not least because of the film tie-in version. 'What if this happens to me?' Lovely book. His voice brings the short story to life, and it touches our hearts and makes us think. Mark Bramhall, the narrator, couldn't be more perfect for this novel. Haruf somehow tells the story of these types of things, and yet makes it beautiful- like it's a part of life that is supposed to be hurdled and dealt with in a natural sort of way. The feeling of being all alone, the worries of your children not approving of dating after the death of their parent, the unfairness of retirees having to take care of their grandchildren when their own children don't have enough responsibility to do so- all of these things are real. The short novel talks about the things that people do indeed face later in life. Their relationship starts quite the gossip buzz in the their small town, and her son isn't keen on the idea of mom having a boyfriend- especially when her son dumps off his child from Grandma to take care of for a few months. Neighbours in a small town who've both lost their spouses decide to sleep together at night, to avoid loneliness. Our Souls At Night is a very nice story about loneliness, compassion, and friendship. This story felt authentic, special and pure. The outdoor scenes are wonderful and encouraged me to go outside, to enjoy and connect with nature again, something that many of us city folk frequently forget to do. It seems that through them the author was trying to remind us of the little things that really matter in life. Louis and Addie are both wonderful and noble characters and through it all your are rooting for them. Haruf wrote this last novel, published posthumously, while he was dying, makes this book all the more remarkable. After a very short consideration, Louis accepts Addie's proposition and so it begins their journey to chase what most probably is their last chance at achieving happiness and fulfillment in their lives. I wonder if you would come and sleep with me in the night with me. What? How do you mean? I mean we are both alone. I wonder if you would consider coming to my house sometimes to sleep with me. Well, I didn't think you came to tell me that my house looks nice. So Addie visits Louis one night and comes up with a rather unique proposition: You are probably wonder what I'm doing here, she said. Louis and Addie are both widowed, lonely and in their twilight of their lives. This is low-key, evocative short novel about the pursuit of happiness, second chances and perhaps most importantly about our need for companionship and intimacy.
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