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bhans1984's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
writethatshit's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
jaydbug's review against another edition
4.0
Beautifully written book, but very sad. The main character, Joe, is frustrating and contrasts greatly with both Marian and Peck. Marian is absolutely bursting with life, and I love how much she makes Joe think. So sad though! Almost unrealisticly so.
jyangelo's review against another edition
5.0
This 1967 story takes us back to the days when hippies were an oddity and the South Bay was still the land of large homesteads and a habitat for all manner of living things. Joe Allston narrates his and his wife's adjustment to retired life in the country after a literary life in New York. We see them move incrementally from their chosen solitary life to the inevitable meshing and clashing with neighbors and a squatter who camps on their property. They are smitten with a young couple Marian and John, who buy a nearby house, and much of the story revolves around the tolerant and idealistic Marian as a counterpoint to Allston's mordant, skeptical worldview. Marian's effect on Allston is a thread running through the book along with a host of tragicomic and just plain tragic events. You find out early on that there will be no happy ending, yet the book is full of suspense as events move the story inevitably to a dramatic finish.
What I loved about this book: (1) Wallace Stegner is self searching and I'm here for it. Joe Allston ruminates, regrets, puzzles over and reacts to his past and present . When John Peck, a student, asks to camp on his property, his first reaction is to say no, but with a little coaxing from his wife he agrees. As that situation evolves, Allston constantly questions what is driving his reaction to it. It's interesting to read this book as an older person and to wonder how much, if at all, a 20 year old would empathize with Allston. (2) California. This is as vivid a description of the climate, flora and fauna of the hills around Santa Cruz and San Jose (or what remains of it) as you're going to get. The writing is just magnificent. All the little live things indeed - Stegner breathes life into every bird, plant and gust of wind. (3) It's hard to believe that the 60s are now the stuff of history, but the book realistically documents what the so-called generation gap looked like 50 years ago. Allston looks down on (and finds hopelessly naive) the hippies who invade his property, and at the same time is enchanted by the 30-ish Marian, who embraces their peace, love and understanding view of the world. There is much arguing that my 63 year old self understands much better than my 20 year old self would have.
What I loved about this book: (1) Wallace Stegner is self searching and I'm here for it. Joe Allston ruminates, regrets, puzzles over and reacts to his past and present . When John Peck, a student, asks to camp on his property, his first reaction is to say no, but with a little coaxing from his wife he agrees. As that situation evolves, Allston constantly questions what is driving his reaction to it. It's interesting to read this book as an older person and to wonder how much, if at all, a 20 year old would empathize with Allston. (2) California. This is as vivid a description of the climate, flora and fauna of the hills around Santa Cruz and San Jose (or what remains of it) as you're going to get. The writing is just magnificent. All the little live things indeed - Stegner breathes life into every bird, plant and gust of wind. (3) It's hard to believe that the 60s are now the stuff of history, but the book realistically documents what the so-called generation gap looked like 50 years ago. Allston looks down on (and finds hopelessly naive) the hippies who invade his property, and at the same time is enchanted by the 30-ish Marian, who embraces their peace, love and understanding view of the world. There is much arguing that my 63 year old self understands much better than my 20 year old self would have.
eastofreaden's review
4.0
Stegner has a way with words that kind of sneaks up on you. I was so busy trying to decide if I liked the main character or not, which I still haven’t decided, that I didn’t realize I was falling in love with this book until I was in too deep. His characters are so human. They are flawed, they don’t always make the best decisions, but they’re trying. My favourite aspect of this story was the relationship between Marian and Joe. When Joe and his wife, Ruth, first meet Marian there is mention of Joe feeling a type of love for her, and my immediate thought was, “Ah, great, he’s going to develop romantic feelings for a younger woman.” But it was, instead, a parental love. They develop this really beautiful adoration between one another akin to a father and daughter. It was wonderful to experience. I am realizing how much of a sucker I am for “found family” stories.
I am still thinking of the ending. It swooped in with an unflinching and unsympathetic force. I can't get it out of my head.
This is my third Stegner, and I wish I could remember who initially recommended his work to me so I could thank them.
I am still thinking of the ending. It swooped in with an unflinching and unsympathetic force. I can't get it out of my head.
This is my third Stegner, and I wish I could remember who initially recommended his work to me so I could thank them.
misslupinelady's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
dbjorlin's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 stars
"One thing I have learned hard, if indeed I have learned it now: it is a reduction of our humanity to hide from pain, our own or others'. To hide from anything."
"One thing I have learned hard, if indeed I have learned it now: it is a reduction of our humanity to hide from pain, our own or others'. To hide from anything."
halfcentreader's review against another edition
2.0
At times some hidden gem about life or pending death. Too much ranting about the counterculture for my liking.
gingerholli's review against another edition
5.0
Oh Wallace Stegner, how I love you. That ending. I’m speechless.