Our Souls at Night

A novel

By: Kent Haruf

Narrated by: Mark Bramhall

A spare yet eloquent, bittersweet yet inspiring story of a man and a woman who, in advanced age, come together to wrestle with the events of their lives and their hopes for the imminent future.

In 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 Louis’s wife. His daughter lives hours away in Colorado Springs, her son even farther away in Grand Junction, and Addie and Louis have long been living alone in houses now empty of family, the nights so terribly lonely, especially with no one to talk with.

Their brave adventures—their pleasures and their difficulties—are hugely involving and truly resonant, making Our Souls at Night the perfect final installment to this beloved writer’s enduring contribution to American literature.

Well written and touching

Sweet, touching story of friendship in later years. A good listen. Well written and enjoyable.

Make Somebody Happy Today & Mind Your Own Business

"Make somebody happy today and mind your own business." Ann Landers

What a golden, enriching novel in which Haruf takes a tender look at friendship and romantic companionship late in life, as he masterfully brings together a widow and widower to show how the older among us can still find love if they open up to the possibility.

“Who would have thought at this time in our lives that we’d still have something like this. That it turns out we’re not finished with changes and excitements. And not all dried up in body and spirit.” Kent Haruf, Our Souls at Night

And then how the people around them can be so petty and puritanical and miserable. In this way, this short novel is rather heartbreaking.


"Puritanism -- the haunting fear that someone, somewhere, may be happy." H.L. Mencken

Great book, disappointing ending.

Great narrator, beautiful characters. I was let down by the ending. I think the characters were strong enough not to succumb to their children wishes.

Sweet and sad

At any age souls can meet and create bonds that last a life time. Luis was so complex but sweet. Good story, and heart warming.

Loneliness

The writing , the. plot, so low key and gentle and real. Very touching.
Will we ever learn to trust more and judge less?