A Best Book of the Year The Boston Globe, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and The Denver PostIn the familiar setting of Holt, Colorado, home to all of Kent Haruf’s inimitable fiction, Addie Moore pays an unexpected visit to a neighbor, Louis Waters. Her husband died years ago, as did his wife, and in such a small town they naturally have known of each other for decades; in fact, Addie was quite fond of … decades; in fact, Addie was quite fond of Louis’s wife. His daughter lives hours away, her son even farther, and Addie and Louis have long been living alone in empty houses, the nights so terribly lonely, especially with no one to talk with. But maybe that could change? As Addie and Louis come to know each other better–their pleasures and their difficulties–a beautiful story of second chances unfolds, making Our Souls at Night the perfect final installment to this beloved writer’s enduring contribution to American literature.
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I have recommended this small novel that deals with huge issues to many friends. They loved it as much as I did. An elderly man and woman come together to pass lonely hours together and to reminisce about the past. Haruf was dying as he wrote this last book, which makes it all the more precious to his readers. The writing is sublime, of course. I think it’s his best work.
Our Souls at Night is a very sweet and tender read about two lonely people in their seventies. The story is set in a small town in America where everyone knows everyone and where there’s not much that’s missed. Addie Moore and Louis Waters are neighbours and have known each other for years. One evening, Addie decides to do something about her loneliness by inviting Louis to stay with her each night.
This is a gentle and touching read full of hope and anticipation. We are given a voyeuristic view into their growing relationship and the challenges they face. It’s much like watching a budding flower blossom, you hold your breath at the beauty of it knowing that it can’t last.
The tragedy of it all is that the author wrote it for his wife Cathy as he was dying and didn’t live long enough to see it published.
A movie of the same name starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford is equally as good although there are some slight changes in story.
An uplifting and beautiful read of only 179 pages where every sentence is carefully considered.
‘The next day he worked in the yard in the morning and mowed the lawn and ate lunch and took a short nap and then went down to the bakery and drank coffee with a group of men he met with every other week. One of them a man he didn’t particularly like. The man said, I wish I had your energy.”
Just because you get to a certain age doesn’t mean you can’t find love and happiness. This book will make you think about older age differently.
As a widow I get why the main character Addie Moore wants the neighbor man to come over to just sleep chastely with her. A bed share for years with a husband can seem mighty empty. This story has a unique plot that is both heartwarming and sad. Author Kent Haruf has captured the subject of loneliness and to try an overcome its effects. Marie F Martin, author
A simply beautiful book by one of my favorite authors. A well-written story of two neighbors, not friends, who slowly become more than friends.
A short novel that speaks to the human need for companionship, regardless of age. A sweet story that struck me as a bit lightweight.
70 years old widow Addie Moore takes a risk when she approaches neighborhood widower, Louis Moore, and asks him to spend nights with her. No sex, just talking. What develops is a deep friendship, that survives gossipy neighbors, judgmental adult children, and even a few health issues. Together, Addie and Louis even provide a safe refuge for Addie’s grandson when the boy’s parents separate one summer.
The book is written without quotation marks – so it’s up to each reader to figure out which sentences are dialog and which narration. This was a little annoying to me. I also found the ending a bit unsatisfying – though realistic. I wish Haruf had offered me more – though I’m not sure what that would be.
I have conflicting thoughts about this novel. I feel as though it was too short. I absolutely loathe Addie’s son, trying to prevent her happiness. It was a sweet story, but I am a sucker for happy endings, and wish it would have ended that way.
I think of this book often, the characters were so magical and wonderful. I wanted to go t9 their home and meet these men.
This is such a sweet, gentle love story.
I feel like Im a tough critic. I read this book in 2 days.
decent read about real life situations and emotions
Enjoyed the movie but found book to be stiff & difficult to wade through
Wonderful writer. Clean, spare prose paints vivid characters and settings. One of the best American writers.
Beautifully written. Enjoyed it!!
Kent Haruf is a wonderful writer but I preferred his other books.
I enjoyed the characters a lot. I was surprised at the premise of the story, but certainly understood . I found the story rich in storyline, but was surprised at the near ending. A fun read.
A widow & a widower develop a friendship. I’m a 75 year old widow and I can see this scenerio with today’s seniors being so true. Grown children who don’t understand and cause trouble. A very good believable story with real relatable, likeable characters, you find yourself routing for them throughout.
Interesting and realistic. A challenge to cultural norms vs. what makes sense for achieving simple happiness. Kind of cute, likable characters.
Short and thought provoking.
Really, with so many great books out there do not waste your time with this one. I allowed myself to be roped in by the glowing reviews and the premise of the plot. Most, and I do mean most, of the book is the minutia of daily chores: she fixed a lunch of sandwiches, lemonade and chips left over from yesterday; he raked leaves then took a nap after filling up the dog’s water bowl; he took a shower, clipped his nails, changed his clothes then tidied the kitchen ad nauseam. And all the chores are not even written in beautifully stylistic language but rather as endlessly cut and dried as I related earlier in the review. Then the ending turned what had been a strong and unconventional character into someone so weak and fear-driven as to make her unrecognizable.Plus, there was no explanation as to how her character, who is supposedly so wise and gracious could raise such a cruel and nasty child.
just the greatest writing.