Addie responds to this recollection by recounting the ways in which people “bump against each other blindly” in an attempt to make a life based on outdated ideas and understandings. One such instance finds Louis lamenting the ways he feels he failed in his marriage. And while Our Souls at Night is very much a novel about the connection between two people, Haruf’s novel touches on the ways in which the characters in his story fail to connect as well. Each scene is carefully crafted to communicate meaning and context in ways that are not difficult for readers to comprehend. His characters and the events of their lives are depicted clearly and simply. Much like Hemingway, whose style influenced the author’s prose, Haruf uses simple language to create a compelling narrative. What makes these comments especially interesting to longtime fans of Haruf’s work is that Louis’s comments are a critique, within the book, of actual theatrical renderings of Haruf’s earlier books. There are times in the novel when the author seems to speak to his audience directly, using his characters as a conduit, as when Louis offers his opinion of the theatrical productions held at the Denver Center for the Performing Arts. In one instance, Addie describes the aftermath of her husband’s death in terms of being compelled to make decisions one is not prepared for and the regret she felt at not trying hard enough to be present for her son. And it is in these moments that the dialog becomes especially poignant. One such moment is when Addie recounts the death of her husband and the devastating effect this had on her son, Gene. The recollections each conveys to the other carry a degree of sentimentality, as both characters are faced with feelings of regret about what they didn’t get right and should have done differently. Much of Haruf’s novel takes the form of backstory, which makes sense as Addie and Louis meet later in life and are fundamentally defined by past experiences. Haruf opts for the “show don’t tell” strategy when conveying this point, illustrated in one scene by the couple sharing lunch together at the town café. A number of the townspeople voice their concerns, however, Addie is adamant about ignoring what her neighbors and friends think, intent on cherishing her connection with Louis. This is true of Addie and Louis, although the chief opposition comes less from their encounters and physical limitations and more from their community. And while the words that go unspoken between them give the reader an indication of what each character might be thinking, Haruf is careful to respect their privacy.Īs with all fiction, there is bound to be a degree of conflict sprinkled into the story. What results in the narrative is a genuine politeness and consideration between the two characters. Although the dialog here is rather sparse, Haruf uses this experience as an apt opportunity to convey what happens from the point of view of both Addie and Louis. Then comes the moment when the author dispels all doubt and allows the couple to indulge in sexual intercourse with each other. To add to the tension between them, Haruf allows the couple to spend nights apart and creates a palpable flirtatious interaction between the two. The author does not answer this question definitively, allowing the reader to come to his own conclusion. Most think the couple is already having sex. Yet, rumors among the townspeople continue to flourish. The author depicts scenes of Louis looking after the child in various settings such as town parades, trips to the country, and cookouts. Louis is taken immediately with the young boy and proves more than capable of tending to him, going so far as to purchase a dog for him at a local pound. The boy is sent to spend time with Addie while his parents deal with a separation. The first presents itself in the form of Addie’s six-year-old grandson. Their decision, however, is not without complications. They each find comfort in having someone with whom they can share their experiences. They tell each other about their past lives, including the death of a child and a serious affair. Colocating in the same bed each night gives the couple an opportunity to share their feelings. Louis’ daughter expresses her trepidation, but her feelings do not dissuade the couple from continuing. The couple eventually discovers they are the subject of town gossip. Their arrangement, however, does not go unnoticed. The author positions the reader as a fly on the wall, witnessing the couple pass through the phases of awkwardness, intimacy, and friendship. The two are not that well acquainted with each other, however, Addie decides to ask for the somewhat unorthodox arrangement. Our Souls at Night, Kent Haruf’s last novel before his death, is the story of two individuals, Addie More and Louis Waters, who begin sleeping together platonically for the benefit of each other’s shared company.
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