book data
103 ratings, 3.61 average rating, 18 reviews
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published
November 1st 1996
(first published 1937)
by Penguin (Non-Classics)
binding
Paperback, 160 pages
isbn
0140252401
(isbn13: 9780140252408)
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 139)
Read in March, 2008
I was able to read this entire book in about 2 hours while we drove from Atlanta, GA to our vacation in Naples, FL. It started out very promising by establishing the tension between the wife and husband. Then the wife's younger sister arrived from Ireland to live with the couple and the trouble started. The husband was attracted to the younger sister and eventually, after much angst on the part of the younger sister (not much from the husband), the two sleep together. As you would guess, the wif...more
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Read in December, 2007
another gem from Wallace Stegner - his first novella, which won a publishing house's prize and launched his literary career. I love his writing -- he always manages to give a simple story set squarely in the everday an epic and usually (and certainly in this case) tragic sweep. This one is about a love triangle between two sisters and the one sister's husband. Husband falls for other sister. Other sister responds to his advances. First sister finds out. Child is born. All played out against the ...more
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Fairly predictable, and although it was easy to read and engaging, there's nothing really that sets this apart from a very standard story. Hoping that Angle of Repose is a little more innovative.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
lovers of historical fiction, novelas, american writing and writers, stories about women
Wallace Stegner's first novel--sent in as an entry for a writing competition. It's short and sweet, and wonderful, tragic, quick read.
As usual, Stegner's people are genuine, believable characters, and his story is straightforward, but still layered and complex. I think two of Stegner's greatest skills are on display in Remembering Laughter:
1) his commitment to capturing the look, the feel, the events, the societal sensibilities of particular moments in American history, and
2) his start...more
As usual, Stegner's people are genuine, believable characters, and his story is straightforward, but still layered and complex. I think two of Stegner's greatest skills are on display in Remembering Laughter:
1) his commitment to capturing the look, the feel, the events, the societal sensibilities of particular moments in American history, and
2) his start...more
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Read in January, 2008
Stegner's first award-winning publication - and a short novella that is a very quick read. It is a bittersweet tale of stoic characters in a love triangle who ruin their lives and never seem to look for a way out. it's basis was a story about relatives of Stegner's wife, Mary, which he took and then wove into fiction. His prize was a $2,500 cash award - more than a year's salary at the time - that allowed the couple new freedom and set him on his path to a successful career. i enjoyed it but am ...more
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Read in December, 2007
My boss introduced me to this author. He suggested reading Big Rock Candy Mountain, but gave me this easy read first. He said if I didn't like Stegner's style of writing, I would for sure not like Big Rock Candy Mountain.
But, I did like it. It's a simple story of a lifetime wasted. I think so many people get caught up in grudges for years that we don't even remember what we were angry/sad/mad about. It kind of teaches you not to be so petty.
But, I did like it. It's a simple story of a lifetime wasted. I think so many people get caught up in grudges for years that we don't even remember what we were angry/sad/mad about. It kind of teaches you not to be so petty.
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Read in September, 2004
This is a very sad tale of Iowa, in which Alec and Margaret Stuart welcome Margaret’s 22-year-old sister, Elspeth to their farm. Margaret is a proper, conservative soul. Alec is much more lively, humorous, earthy, but is also more driven by his impulses. Alec and Elspeth do the nasty, which produces a child. All goes to hell and the sisters wind up living lives of withered desperation. Not a happy tale, but one that is beautifully told.
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Read in May, 2007
I read this after Crossing to Safety. It was Stegner's first novel and while it has been called a "Perfect little novel" I barely remembered it after finishing it. Sisters Margaret and Elspeth life a dark closely guarded life after Elsbeth became impregnated by Margaret's husband Alec. it was certainly a quick and easy read, but for me far less memorable than Crossing to Safet.
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Read in July, 2008
Stegner's first book. Quick read, not as compelling as some of his other books. But I like his descriptive writing. The story is a disturbing love triangle and you want to shake some sense into these 3 people. Good place to start if you want to try Stegner.
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I've heard so much about Wallace Stegner and have wanted to read his books for some time... Maybe I started with the wrong book, but it was SO sad and really, not very believable for me.
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Read in January, 2006
recommends it for:
anyone...
This is Stegner's first novel, and it is a masterpiece! I love the mega-plot twist. Stick with it; it's worth it. Beautiful work for a first novel. No wonder it launched him to fame.
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I believe this is Stegner's first novel (a novella, really) and it lacks the complexity and brilliance of his later work. Still, it's a good book with a compelling ending.
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Read in August, 2007
Short book. Style somewhat like 19th century Brits. Silence and a stiff upper lip. Lots of agony and repressed anger and sadness-with all loss of laughter. Well written.
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Of all the Stegner books I have read, this is my least favorite, not because it isn't well written, because it is. I find the story too tragic.
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I like Stegner. Very interesting intergenerational study. Don't wait for a huge climax--Stegner doesn't work that way.
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Read in November, 2008
A lot like Angle of Repose, but not as developed or as meaningful. Good, but not great.
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Read in February, 2007
I love Stegner's writing. His characters are so vivid and real.
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