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Jackson Hole, Uneasy Eden
The author tells the truth about the impact of "new" people on a mountain resort. In this collection of fictional short stories, the reader will find insights and truths engendered by the modern invasion of "new folks" to glorious mountain enclaves now dubbed "resorts." These acclaimed stories capture the truth, warts and all, of how modern life can both corrupt and enhance a traditional environment. Based on the author's experience as a long-time resident of this pristine valley in Wyoming nestled in the heart of the Grand Tetons, America's most beautiful mountain range. Warren Adler is the Founder of the Jackson Hole Writer's Conference and the former Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Jackson Public Library.
223 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1997
About the author
Warren Adler
73 books114 followersWarren Adler was an American author, playwright and poet. His novel The War of the Roses was turned into a dark comedy starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito.
Adler was an essayist, short-story writer, poet and playwright, whose works have been translated into 25 languages.
Adler was an essayist, short-story writer, poet and playwright, whose works have been translated into 25 languages.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 21, 2018
This is a collection of fictional short stories based on Mr. Adler’s experience as a long-time resident of little town nestled in the heart of the most beautiful mountain in Northwest Wyoming, the Grand Tetons.
In each of the stories we find insights in what has happened by the modern invasion of folks to the area. Resorts have sprung rapidly and a new way of life came with it. Their presence brought clashed with the long cherished western customs. We can feel through the stories how the modern life has disrupted and turned their quiet world upside down. Wealth and the modern life changed things for ever.
You can find many editions of this book published over years, the first in 1997. I can only presume the stories are all the same. I am reviewing the version that has been sent to me by the author this past month.
Each chapter is about a family that was born or moved to Jackson. Their stories are well-crafted and interesting albeit maybe a bit disturbing. A full range of emotions is brought to life to showcase how the valley’s culture was transformed by the constant pressure imposed by the new arrivals. Each of Mr. Adler’s fiction dissects Jackson Hole spectacular patina, its people and its tradition. Although considered short stories, everyone is long enough to have moved me to the core. I do feel sorry for the loss of life style but things changes. For the better or worst depends where you stand.
In each of the stories we find insights in what has happened by the modern invasion of folks to the area. Resorts have sprung rapidly and a new way of life came with it. Their presence brought clashed with the long cherished western customs. We can feel through the stories how the modern life has disrupted and turned their quiet world upside down. Wealth and the modern life changed things for ever.
You can find many editions of this book published over years, the first in 1997. I can only presume the stories are all the same. I am reviewing the version that has been sent to me by the author this past month.
Each chapter is about a family that was born or moved to Jackson. Their stories are well-crafted and interesting albeit maybe a bit disturbing. A full range of emotions is brought to life to showcase how the valley’s culture was transformed by the constant pressure imposed by the new arrivals. Each of Mr. Adler’s fiction dissects Jackson Hole spectacular patina, its people and its tradition. Although considered short stories, everyone is long enough to have moved me to the core. I do feel sorry for the loss of life style but things changes. For the better or worst depends where you stand.
March 15, 2018
I didn't like this book as well as I have liked most of Adler's work. Partly, this was because the stories in this book, taken as a whole, didn't meet the expectations I had, based on the introduction. As Adler was writing about an actual place that he loves, I had expected at least some of the stories to have, well, not to put too fine a point on it, a happy ending, or at least something that could be called heartwarming. These stories, however, although well crafted, are among some of the most dismally depressing I have read; they seem to showcase all the worst features of human nature, and by the time I finished the book I was in sore need of some mood medicine for myself.
The other thing about this book that disturbed me was the presence of some really weird homophone errors - as, for instance, when someone breaks her 'humorous'. I found this profoundly disturbing, suggesting as it did a lack of the concern for quality that I would expect from an author of Adler's standing.
The other thing about this book that disturbed me was the presence of some really weird homophone errors - as, for instance, when someone breaks her 'humorous'. I found this profoundly disturbing, suggesting as it did a lack of the concern for quality that I would expect from an author of Adler's standing.
March 25, 2018
"It won't ever get any better than this."
With his usual skill at drawing well characterized protagonists with seemingly effortless simplicity, Mr.Adler presents the reader with a series of vignettes about fictional folk living in his own very real and much loved home of Jackson Hole.
The stories each chart conflicts, between couples usually, though also with the changes which have been brought about be wealthy incomers to what had been a beautiful but poor ranching area. Often it is the sense of belonging, itself, which causes heartbreak.
Well written, sometimes heart wrenching, these stories are simply written and give a tiny peek into the mountains and countryside which hold so many in their grasp. Oh, and watch out for the one about an old timer, Floyd Sampson, better known to the Rangers as Howdy Partner, who was to be interviewed about times past - it's a hoot.
With his usual skill at drawing well characterized protagonists with seemingly effortless simplicity, Mr.Adler presents the reader with a series of vignettes about fictional folk living in his own very real and much loved home of Jackson Hole.
The stories each chart conflicts, between couples usually, though also with the changes which have been brought about be wealthy incomers to what had been a beautiful but poor ranching area. Often it is the sense of belonging, itself, which causes heartbreak.
Well written, sometimes heart wrenching, these stories are simply written and give a tiny peek into the mountains and countryside which hold so many in their grasp. Oh, and watch out for the one about an old timer, Floyd Sampson, better known to the Rangers as Howdy Partner, who was to be interviewed about times past - it's a hoot.
May 10, 2018
A book of short stories based in Jackson hole Wyoming. Each one was really too short to get sucked into, you only really get a taste.
I received this audiobook for free in exchange of an honest review.
I received this audiobook for free in exchange of an honest review.
June 27, 2018
I'm afraid that I found this book disappointing. The writing is good and engaging, but it's not what I expect from Warren Adler. His books are interesting and clever. Jackson Hole, Uneasy Eden is depressing and dated.
This collection of short stories offer the messages that:
You get what you expect.
You can't stop progress.
These tales circle around betrayal (the title of one of the stories), cheating, obfuscation, cruelty, revenge, marital unfaithfulness, abandonment, deception, jealousy, class differences, and serial/mass murder.
The Dress was the most positive story in my estimation. It dealt with friendship and support, but with a dark and menacing undertone.
While this won't go down as my favorite Adler book, a bit too dark and dismal for my taste, i will say that the stories it offers are out of the ordinary and show the past and the present of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, at least as the author sees them, and the good and the bad of each.
I received this book as a gift from the author. The opinions in this review express my honest reaction to the book.
This collection of short stories offer the messages that:
You get what you expect.
You can't stop progress.
These tales circle around betrayal (the title of one of the stories), cheating, obfuscation, cruelty, revenge, marital unfaithfulness, abandonment, deception, jealousy, class differences, and serial/mass murder.
The Dress was the most positive story in my estimation. It dealt with friendship and support, but with a dark and menacing undertone.
While this won't go down as my favorite Adler book, a bit too dark and dismal for my taste, i will say that the stories it offers are out of the ordinary and show the past and the present of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, at least as the author sees them, and the good and the bad of each.
I received this book as a gift from the author. The opinions in this review express my honest reaction to the book.
January 18, 2019
very true to heart. I lived there for over 3o years and have seen the decline from a small nestled at the bottom of the Grand Tetons western town to the great divide between the Uber wealthy and those just trying to stay afloat. Very sad what has happened to a once great town.
April 26, 2020
Well-crafted short stories about social changes in Jackson Hole by Grand Teton, one of the most stirringly beautiful places I have ever been.
January 12, 2009
Living in Jackson Hole, I had to read this book! Each chapter is a different story about a family that was born in Jackson or has moved to Jackson after visiting and falling in love with the place. And like in real life...each are cursed by this Valley that is Jackson Hole. I really enjoyed the book...quick read.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews