Eventide

By: Kent Haruf

Narrated by: George Hearn

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

One of the most beloved novels in recent years, Plainsong was a best-seller from coast to coast—and now Kent Haruf returns to the High Plains community of Holt, Colorado, with a story of even more masterful authority.

When the McPheron brothers see Victoria Roubideaux, the single mother they’d taken in, move from their ranch to begin college, an emptiness opens before them—and for many other townspeople it also promises to be a long, hard winter. A young boy living alone with his grandfather helps out a neighbor whose husband, off in Alaska, suddenly isn’t coming home, leaving her to raise their two daughters. At school the children of a disabled couple suffer indignities that their parents know all too well in their own lives, with only a social worker to look after them and a violent relative to endanger them further. But in a small town a great many people encounter one another frequently, often surprisingly, and destinies soon become entwined—for good and for ill—as they confront events that sorely test the limits of their resilience and means, with no refuge available except what their own character and that of others afford them. Spring eventually does reach across the land, and how the people of Eventide get there makes for an engrossing, profoundly moving novel rich in the wisdom, humor, and humanity for which Kent Haruf is justly acclaimed.

©2004 Kent Haruf (P)2004 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"[Eventide] possesses the haunting appeal of music, the folksy rhythms of an American ballad and the lovely, measured grace of an old hymn . . . Mr. Haruf's understated prose, combined with his emotional wisdom and his easy affection for his characters turns [the novel's] events into affecting drama. In mapping the postage-stamp-size world of Holt, he has limned the loneliness of the people there and their resilience and capacity for hope."--Michiko Kakutani, New York Times

"There's a decency that shines in the very accuracy with which [Haruf] describes the ordinary. Scene after scene, from cattle auction to back-booth seduction . . . flows by us as clear as spring water, proof that truth, like virtue, has its own reward."--Michael Harris, Los Angeles Times Book Review

"Eventide is a lovely novel, all the more for its uncomprimising realism, its eschewing of the magical pallative of happy endings, its recognition that decency carries its own unique rewards."--Joan Mellen, Baltimore Sun“Highly charged and compassionate . . . Every action in Holt casts a long shadow, and the gist of Haruf’s story is what happens when those shadows touch . . . Haruf’s writing draws power from his sense of character–its limitations and its possibilities–and how it propels action.”–New Yorker

Very pleasant

Awesome reader ! Loved it . Story is slow and heartfelt , sad , tragic in places but full of sweet and kind moments . I had a great time listening

Not what I hoped for

This did not have the sweetness of the first book. A lot of drunkenness, violence and sex. I, for some reason, just couldn't believe the other reviewers. Well now I do!
Story was maybe okay if you have no other expectations.

Music??

Great performance! The music at the end was a distraction from the poignancy of finish.

Wonderful book!

I really like the Plainsong series and everything else by Kent Haruf. His words bring the characters alive!

Great story, good performance, poor production

Eventide, the second book in Kent Haruf's trilogy carries the same emotional weight and captivating writing as the first book, Plainsong. Once you start listening, you just don't want to stop. George Hearn's narration is skillfully mastered. The producers decision to dub bad smooth jazz over the opening and closing paragraphs mars an otherwise great book and good performance.

Loved this follow up to Plainsong

Love this author! Would love for him to write more. Read 'Plainsong' first though it will make more sense.
These books made me laugh and cry, which in my opinion is a very good experience.

A great way to end a day.

I fell in love with these characters in the author's other book, "Plainsong". It was such a joy for the story to continue. Just a good old fashioned good book - not full of fluff and yet not too heavy to tire you out.

Fabulous, Incredibly Moving

First of all, if you haven't read Plainsong, start there. It is a wonderful wonderful prelude to Eventide. Both books are lovely, moving stories. The author has a very spare style that is really wonderful. I LOVE both of these books and they are both highly recommended.

A beautiful story

First, Geroge Hearns has a rich voice that is mesmerizing, I could listen to those pipes all day.
A perfect match for this wonderful story; characters you want to know and a tale that ends all too soon.
I so want to hear more from this author and this narrator.

Lots of sex in every chapter

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Too much sexual description that is unecessary for the story.

What other book might you compare Eventide to and why?

Not Jane Austen

Which character – as performed by George Hearn – was your favorite?

He was versatile

If you could rename Eventide, what would you call it?

Eventide is fine.

Any additional comments?

Cut the sex. Can't listen to it on speakers with small children.