Kent Haruf
Kent Haruf was an American author known for his novels set in the fictional town of Holt, Colorado. He is best known for his Plainsong series, which includes 'Plainsong,' 'Eventide,' and 'Benediction.' Haruf's writing is characterized by a spare, understated style and a focus on the everyday lives and relationships of his characters. His work has been praised for its emotional depth and realism.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. Plainsong
This novel is set in the small town of Holt, Colorado, and explores the intertwining lives of its residents. The narrative focuses on a high school teacher raising two sons after his wife leaves him, a pair of bachelor brothers who have lived together on their family farm for decades, and a pregnant teenager kicked out of her home. The characters' lives intersect in unexpected ways, offering a poignant exploration of community, resilience, and the human capacity for connection and kindness.
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2. Eventide
Set in the small town of Holt, Colorado, the novel delves into the lives of the aging McPheron brothers as they grapple with the loneliness and challenges of rural life after their surrogate daughter leaves for college. Simultaneously, the story follows a struggling young mother as she battles to keep her family together amidst poverty and social services intervention. The narrative weaves together the experiences of these characters and others in the community, painting a poignant and realistic portrait of small-town existence, with its interwoven relationships and the enduring human capacity for resilience and connection in the face of hardship.
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3. Our Souls At Night
The novel centers on Addie Moore and Louis Waters, two elderly neighbors in a small Colorado town who have both lost their spouses and are living in quiet solitude. Seeking companionship to combat the loneliness, Addie proposes that they start sleeping in bed together, platonically, to talk and provide comfort for each other during the night. As their unconventional relationship evolves, they share intimate conversations, revealing their life stories, regrets, and the challenges they face with their families and the town's residents. The story is a tender exploration of aging, companionship, and the courage to seek connection in the twilight years of life.
