57 pages • 1 hour read
Plainsong
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Book Brief
301
Novel • Fiction
Holt, Colorado • 1980s
1999
Adult
18+ years
770L
Super Short Summary
Plainsong by Kent Haruf, set in the high plains of eastern Colorado, weaves multiple storylines into a profound exploration of community, acceptance, and loneliness. Key figures like Tom Guthrie, his sons Ike and Bobby, pregnant teenager Victoria Roubideaux, and the McPheron brothers navigate isolation and personal challenges, eventually finding solace and new connections within their small-town community. Sensitive topics such as depression, mental health struggles, and verbal abuse are depicted.
Contemplative
Bittersweet
Emotional
Melancholic
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
81,998 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Haruf's Plainsong garners acclaim for its evocative prose and poignant portrayal of small-town life. Critics praise its compelling characters and the intertwining of their lives, though some note the narrative's slow pace. While its simplicity is lauded, others find it lacks tension. Overall, it is celebrated for its emotional depth and authenticity.
Who Should Read Plainsong?
A reader who enjoys deeply human, character-driven narratives would appreciate Kent Haruf's Plainsong. Fans of Marilynne Robinson's Gilead and Annie Proulx's The Shipping News will find its depiction of small-town life and intricate relationships particularly compelling. Haruf's spare, evocative prose appeals to those who value introspective and quietly powerful storytelling.
81,998 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Victoria Roubideaux
Victoria Roubideaux
A pregnant teenager dealing with abandonment by her family and social challenges within her community, in search of stability and support.
Maggie Jones
Maggie Jones
A compassionate and resilient schoolteacher who plays a crucial role in supporting both Guthrie and Victoria, while caring for her aging father.
301
Novel • Fiction
Holt, Colorado • 1980s
1999
Adult
18+ years
770L
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