Last night I finished one of the books I wanted to read over the summer: Hanna Coulter by Wendell Berry. It was one of the most endearing, books I have ever read. I wasn't sure what to expect when I first started reading it. Of course, I knew it must be good since Wendell Berry is the author, but I didn't know exactly how wonderful it would be. I'm always amazed at Wendell Berry's ability to say several profound and thought provoking things in one page!
Hannah Coulter is written from the perspective of an old woman looking back at her life. (another amazing feet by the author, you truly forget it is really written by a man.) The book is filled with sorrow and death, but it is amazing to see the characters overcome their grief. It also deals with change in family and culture. sometimes good, sometimes not. but whatever it is, the characters wake up every morning and "live right on." I can't help but feel I have grown wiser simply by reading it...at least, I hope so.
All I could do when I finished was sit on the couch, look at the book, and somehow wish it would keep going and never end. But, I loved the ending, so I suppose I wouldn't have it any other way. I can't say I never cried while reading this book, I certainly did. There are several parts in the book I wanted to underline, but it being a library book I didn't feel I had the liberty. (and, silly me, I didn't think to mark the page.) but, out of the whole book, this is one of my favorite quotes:
"Grief is not a force and has no power to hold. You only bear it. Love is what carries you, for it is always there, even in the dark, or most in the dark, but shining out at times like gold stitches in a piece of embroidery."
No comments:
Post a Comment