Our Souls At Night by Kent Haruf

Our Souls At Night is the final novel from Kent Haruf, published the year after he died at 70 in 2014. Each of his five novels were award-winning or shortlisted (notably the trilogy Plainsong, Eventide, and Benediction), and all take place in the same fictional small town - Holt, Colorado.

His style is simple and spare, ruminating on the themes of small-mindedness, on the winning side of decency.

Addie Moore is 70, and widowed. There is the feeling of time passing comfortably, but alone. The nights are the worst, with no one to talk to. Louis Waters is her neighbour, also widowed, and after many decades in the small town, they know each others lives, at least from the outside.

One evening, having decided what she wants and open enough to ask for it, Addie makes a proposal to Louis - that they have a meal, and share a bed one night. Platonically, just conversation and the comfort of company. Louis reluctantly agrees, and they begin to share the nights, at first awkwardly, then companionably, and it soon becomes a welcome habit. They spend the time recalling their lives - the happy times, and the times of regret - strengthening a friendship. In Holt, this doesn't go unnoticed, and soon there are rumours wondering what is going on, especially when they appear in town together.

A bright addition is Addie's grandson spending time over the summer, the three of them taking picnics, and Louis playing grandfather to the boy. The problem with this seemingly ideal set-up continues to be town gossip - and outspoken judgement from both Louis and Addie's children (who have long left the family home, living their own lives) who see the whole thing as disgusting. Their parents are obviously too old to be jumping into bed with each other. Addie is adamant the petty views will not shake her, but the pressure of interference is strong.

This is a terrific read.

Haruf respects his characters and their decisions, although as a reader I come away with a feeling of melancholy at how people can screw up what works, for the sake of appearances.

It's a candid look at aging, and how we at any age, need connection.

Our Souls At Night was made into a film in 2017 starring Jane Fonda and Robert Redford. A treat for movie fans who remember their 1979 Sidney Pollack film The Electric Horseman, and a bonus that they both look their actual age. A memorable movie faithful to the book.

2015 / Hardcover / 179 pages