Eventide by Kent Haruf

 Eventide by Kent Haruf

           Eventide is the second novel in Haruf’s trilogy.   It continues with the lives of some of Plainsong’s most beloved characters, and adds some interesting new characters to the mix.  The story is both very touching and very disturbing, as the reader becomes engulfed in the realistic situations that occur.  It is very emotionally gripping and at one point as I read, I had tears streaming down my face.  

           The elderly McPheron brothers, who have become one of my favorite characters of any novel I have read, continue their lives with both heartbreaking and touching events.  We are introduced to welfare-dependent, and mentally challenged parents who are doing the best they can for their children, but are unable to deal with an abusive relative who, after moving in, is beating and brutalizing the already traumatized kids.  

           Haruf is a wonderful writer who has beautifully and realistically, captured the residents living around small town Holt, Colorado.  I love the way he has shown the humanity of their lives.  

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