Community comments are the opinions of contributing users. These comments do not represent the opinions of Christchurch City Libraries Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi.
Nov 27, 20221jerry rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This writing style so unique, a simple story with adult complex overtones throughout, brilliant. I read it twice but I gotta say
the first time really hit me harder maybe because I knew what was coming. I plan to read more by him.
Jun 01, 2022Mattou rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
My favorite gummy has this slogan: “like soft furry slippers for your mind”. Though I’d be the last person to link cannabinoid consumption with literary prowess, I find the words work altogether perfectly for the subject of this…
May 19, 2020yanoff rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
It's too bad Haruf didn't write more. His gentle and straightforward style drew me in right away. His characters are ordinary, but also exceptional...quite a paradox but a good author can do that.
Apr 03, 2020betsymarzoni rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
The simple, gentle kindness given freely by the major characters in this novel is a recipe for our current world. I want and need more interaction with these good hearted souls.
Aug 18, 2018wyenotgo rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
After having loved Our Souls at Night, I was looking forward to this. I really wanted to like this book and there is so much to admire about Haruf's writing: His unadorned but impeccable style; a pervasive sense of place; the precision…
Jul 25, 2018John R. Nancekivell rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Yet another wonderful author discovered and I find out he died in 2014.
Bookwormie95
Jun 09, 2018Bookwormie95 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I'm not usually a fan of the whole Southwest-backcountry smalltown aesthetic, but this book pleasantly surprised me. The writing style at first reminded me of Cormac McCarthy, and I was going "Oh no, I can't handle bleak emotions like…
Apr 11, 2018orange_lobster_23 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Full of grace, this slow moving tale weaves the lives of several members of the rural farming community, exposing their vulnerabilities. A satisfying , warm-hearted read.
Oct 30, 2017TSMary rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
For those looking for excellent writing in a gentle read, Kent Haruf is your author. I don't know how I missed this special book when it came out in 2000, but I am glad I finally found it. There are 3 books in the Plainsong trilogy, but…
Oct 23, 2017m0mmyl00 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Plainsong reminded me of the works of Cormac McCarthy in its pacing, and William Faulkner in its characters. Victoria is a teen aged girl who fell in love and got pregnant. The boy disappeared without ever finding out she was pregnant, and…
May 17, 2017QueenSheba_0 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This is a simple, beautiful story about the ways that people make families and find and help each other. Set in rural Colorado, it feels timeless although it seems to be set somewhere around the 1980s.
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path111
Apr 24, 2016path111 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Plainsong derives its title from the unadorned and restrained religious chant which could be pictured in early morning prayer set in the low light and echo of a chapel. No, it's not a religious book (at least strict sense). But it's this…
Oct 12, 2015ownedbydoxies rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Such a great book. Deceptively simple, but rich with imagery and personalities. The old men in this one remind me so strongly of my grandpa and his brother, who were also old farmers on mixed farms. I will be reading all Mr. Haruf's other…
I have read Plainsong, Eventide and am now setting out to read Mr. Haruf's final book. He's a fantastic writer; draws you in so you can't put the book down. Don't miss these books. They are wonderful.
Feb 25, 2015bookwormjeph rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
A story of small rural town America way out west that gently pulls one into the ordinary lives of some rather extraordinary locals. A teenage girl who is pregnant, a pair of elderly farmer brothers who have never married and a couple of…
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Plainsong