Plainsong by Kent Haruf

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We've had this novel on our shelves for years, and I finally got around to reading it, because one of the book clubs I sometimes go to chose it. It was a delight. I was so pleased with it that I couldn't believe it had been neglected for so long.

This is not to say that it's a happy or light read, although it is short. The writing is sparse but evocative, and the characters are wonderful. Well, many of them are wonderful. What I liked most is that all the main characters change and grow. It's a great book about how people help each other, even in imperfect ways. I loved it.

Disclaimer: There are a couple of somewhat graphic scenes and some language.

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