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Summary: I'm a Stegner convert....
Review: I struggled through _Wolf Willow_ when I was in undergrad...it was either unenjoyable or I was not at the right time in my life to appreciate it. So when a friend gave me her copy of _Angle_, I took it dubiously, not knowing what a treat I was going to have. I don't consider this a "guy's" book at all. Stegner, unlike many male authors, does a decent job of developping a woman's character with Susan--though I found her much less likeable than many readers (but you don't have to like characters to find them interesting). The contemporary story that unfolds between the reluctantly fatherly Lyman and his hippie-flippy assistant also charmed me. Marriage vs. infidelty and family vs. individualism are strong themes in this novel. The self-indulgence of a mother and a man's best friend that leads to trajedy for a family; the man who consistently choses his own ego and rigid ethics over the security and happiness of his family; the son who can't empathize with his father's last gasp for independence; the exwife cum widow who forgets the "sickness and in health" portion of the marriage vows; even the loss of individualism caused by Lyman's body forcing his housekeeper to carry him, bathes him, and clothe him; these themes are set in the West, a the cornerstone of individualism in American culture. This is a great novel. Put it on your list.
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Summary: What a rich story.
Review: Angle of Repose was recommended to me by my mother-in-law several years ago. I have since read every Wallace Stegner piece ever written. Some were better than others, all were at least good, but nothing compares to this work. I have turned many friends on to this great book which has never disappointed anyone. I am now circling back around and reading it a second time.
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Summary: All's well that ends well...
Review: Stegner's novel read smoothly and managed a good transition from past to present. The book has two flaws. The first flaw is in the abrupt passages concerning unnecessary pieces of information. One example of this is the assertion that Lyman's grandmother was a lesbian. Another unnecessary part is the odd and misleading dream that Lyman has towards the end. The second trouble is the ending itself. It seems that Stegner leaves loose ends in an attempt to wrap the book up expediently.
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Summary: Great transitional strengths by Stegner
Review: The tremendous setting of the table by the author to force the reader at the end to forecast what will happen, is overwhelming. Will Lyman be as unrelenting as Oliver seemed to be? During the writing of the history of his Grandparents, he clearly took the side of his Grandmother, for whatever the reasons. But when his own wife, who had some of the same characteristics as his Grandmother (helpless victim of love?), came to seek forgiveness, the reader is left to surmise if Lyman will welcome her back. Does this remind anyone else of "The Lady or the Tiger" dilemma?
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Summary: My Irish friend is having me send her a copy in France.
Review: Years ago in Sun Valley, ID it was on a recommended shelf in a bookstore. Needed a book and I bought it. Started reading it ages later and was half through it by the time my parents and I went to Italy for vacation. I was already hooked and enjoying it. They'd happened to also get a copy of the book for the trip. Amidst the green hills, warm sea, and artistic bliss we parallel read the book. By the end of that trip we three had finished: raving and discussing the finer points, rich characters, and fascinating historical view of the area in California where my grandparents live. Took the book to my Irish friends. All three cruised through it and more discussions ensued. I've been recommending this book to people when they ask for a "good book." Yet, it's better than good. (Not that I'm suggesting you should read it - I'd never go and do THAT!) Five years later: I just went back to Europe and remembered the book with my Irish friends. One of them has been searching for it and can't find a copy and is having me send her one in France. My point? Cross culturally, discussably, intergenerationally this is a good book. Just see the Pulitzer prize on the front if you doubt that.
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Summary: Fabulous, fabulous story telling -truly a treat !
Review: I have yet to finish Angle of Repose because I do not want it to be over. To be able to visualize so well in my mind the development of the West was a treat. The characters seem all together real which is what makes Stegner such a fabulous writer. Although he drew from various historical and family sources, it is stated that this is a work of fiction. I wonder how much of it is. In my heart, I imagine Stegner's real grandmother to be Susan. Like many other readers/reviewers, I am fortunate that this reading opportunity did not pass me by. Our bookgroupis reading it and am so looking forward to the discussion.
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Summary: A beautiful book
Review: Just finished the book last night. Cried like a baby at the end. I loved the characters. I loved the story. I was amazed at how the book went beyond the characters and the story, and ended up being about me and my wife and my grandparents. I'm now examining my own "angle of repose" and trying to figure out ways to fix it.
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Summary: An American Epic
Review: I read a critique of Stegner's style after I had read this book and The Spectator Bird. The writer claimed that Stegner minimized the role of women in his writings...wrong! The women in Stegner's novels have courage, intelligence, and heart ...he obviously respects his female characters. Angle of Repose was the first Stegner novel I read and it remains, in my view, the best.
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Summary: Wallace Stegner Has crafted a book that truly stands out
Review: This book was a journey, one in which you could get inside so many of the characters.
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Summary: magnificent writing!
Review: If someone told me to select my favorite books, and I could choose only 5, Angle of Repose would be one of them. This is one of the best books I have ever read. I've been trying to analyze what makes Stegner's writing so fascinating. He certainly has a gift for detail that hooks you in but never bores. In the hands of many other writers, this plot, this long a book, I would not have stayed with. I couldn't put it down. I recommend this to anyone who loves to read. Magnificent.
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