4.2
Part of "Plainsong" series
In Kent Haruf’s “Eventide,” the second book of his “Plainsong” trilogy, the author once again invites readers to Holt, Colorado, a small town filled with complex and relatable characters. The story revolves around the lives of several individuals, each grappling with their own personal struggles and joys. At the heart of the narrative is the McPheron brothers, Harold and Raymond, who take in a young pregnant girl, Victoria Roubideaux, after her mother kicks her out. The brothers’ kindness and sense of duty towards Victoria highlight the themes of community and compassion that run throughout the novel. Meanwhile, Victoria’s mother, Adele, finds solace in her newfound friendship with a fellow resident of the local nursing home, Louise. Their relationship provides a poignant exploration of aging, loneliness, and the search for connection in unexpected places. The novel also introduces new characters, including a young boy, Bobby, who is dealing with the aftermath of his parents’ divorce, and a new school teacher, Rose Tyler, who is trying to find her place in the community. Through these characters, Haruf delves into the complexities of family, love, and the human condition. Haruf’s writing style is simple yet profound, capturing the beauty and harshness of small-town life with precision and grace. His characters are fully realized, with flaws and strengths that make them feel real and relatable. The pacing of the novel is deliberate, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the world of Holt, Colorado. Overall, “Eventide” is a powerful and moving novel that explores the human condition with sensitivity and depth. Its exploration of themes such as community, compassion, and the search for connection make it a worthy read for anyone looking for a thought-provoking and engaging story...
Jane Smiley
A Thousand Acres
A Thousand Acres is a modern retelling of Shakespeare's King Lear, set in rural Iowa. The novel, like Eventide, delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the struggles of small-town life.
Learn MoreBarbara Kingsolver
The Poisonwood Bible
The Poisonwood Bible is a powerful exploration of a family's struggle to find their place in a foreign land. The novel, like Eventide, delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the search for meaning in life.
Learn MoreEdith Wharton
The Age of Innocence
Like Eventide, this book explores the complexities of small-town life and the hidden desires of its inhabitants. The Age of Innocence is a powerful examination of the societal norms and expectations of the upper class in 1870s New York.
Learn MoreElizabeth Strout
Olive Kitteridge
Olive Kitteridge, much like Eventide, is a novel that delves into the lives of small-town inhabitants. The book is a series of interconnected stories, each revealing the inner struggles and triumphs of the characters.
Learn MoreDavid Wroblewski
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle
The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is a modern retelling of Hamlet, set in rural Wisconsin. The novel, like Eventide, delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the struggles of small-town life.
Learn MoreKent Haruf
Plainsong
Plainsong, the prequel to Eventide, is a powerful exploration of the lives of several interconnected families in rural Colorado. The novel, like Eventide, delves into the complexities of family dynamics and the search for connection.
Learn MoreF. Scott Fitzgerald
The Great Gatsby
The Great Gatsby, like Eventide, explores the complexities of small-town life and the hidden desires of its inhabitants. The novel is a powerful examination of the societal norms and expectations of the upper class in the 1920s.
Learn MoreHarper Lee
To Kill a Mockingbird
To Kill a Mockingbird, like Eventide, explores the complexities of small-town life and the struggles of its inhabitants. The novel is a powerful examination of racial injustice and the loss of innocence.
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