Rating: 
Summary: Many words, Not much to Say
Review: In form this novel bears some similarities to works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, it follows a number of characters trough trials of life, love and growing old. But, while the writings of Marquez can, when at their best, pull at your heartstrings, this book falls flat. Part of the problem here is the construct chosen by Stegner. The central story of Susan Ward is told through her historian grandson, Lyman. As such, explorations of the thoughts and emotions of the central characters are limited or non-existent. The result is that the story becomes a series of boring "just the facts" vignettes - we moved here, but it didn't work out, so we moved there and it didn't work out, etc. After some initial character development you have gone about as far as there is to go in this book. Perhaps the most interesting part of the story is that of Lyman. Here Stegner is not constrained by keeping up the historical façade. One big caveat though, these sections are also thoroughly depressing, as they follow a lonely wheel chair bound man wracked with pain who dreams of being raped by his writing assistant. Anyway, as Stegner seems to be well regarded perhaps some of his other books are better.
Rating: 
Summary: SUPER!
Review: This book is excellent. Mr. Stegner's sense of humor seems to show in this book--His comparison and differences of young and old--His viewpoint from the perspective of a wheelchair-bound elder. The historical aspects of this novel are fascinating from the perspective of Easterners moving west to make their way in the world. Interesting too, the major differences between man and wife and their relationship.
Rating:
Summary: A book I come back to very five years or so
Review: When I first read this book I keep feeling it was about my own family because so much of it fit with tales I'd heard from my elders. It has been made into an opera by Andrew Imbrie but I've not seen/heard it; I'd love to.
Rating: 
Summary: Uneven historical-fiction, much to admire, much to dislike.
Review: I read Angle of Repose for my reading group, having never read Stegner before (but always wanting to). Frankly, I was disappointed. This novel was filled with peaks and valleys, moments of beautifully written descriptions, countered with long stretches of banal prose without drama. That's real life, some would argue; but is that the stuff of great drama, or the Great American Novel? I think not. The ending of Susan & Oliver's tale was obviously rushed, and told with an emotional detachment that was all the more frustrating. The biggest problem I had with this book was the framework in which it is told: the literary convention of a story within a story didn't work here. I cared less and less about Lyman as the novel progressed, and wished Stegner had stuck with Susan's tale alone. It became a chore to finish, only to find Lyman's "dream" at the end, a tired twist if ever there was one. Perhaps Stegner's other works are worthy of the thoughtful reader's time, but I wonder if I'll ever give them a chance now.
Rating:
Summary: A Great American Novel
Review: My grandmother gave me this book and it is certainly one of the best novels I have ever read, though I had never heard of it at the time. It was fascinating for me to read I think in part because I moved West from the Eastern U.S. and have been to many of the places described in the book. It's also masterfully written and anyone should be able to appreciate the story and the writing.
Rating:
Summary: I disliked this novel!
Review: I felt no sympathy for Susan Burling Ward or her grandsonLyman. Lyman is a person who can not live his own life but has tolive his grandparents' life while critiquing the world he presently lives in and all who are of its generation. I hate Susan in this novel, Oliver paid for her huge mistake of not even paying the closest attention to her own daughter, who I might add is not old enough to take care of herself. Susan is a terrible mother and wife to her hopelessly devoted family, why did she breed? She is a socialite, a snob and an inconsiderate human being and I dont understand why Oliver would subject himself to her foolishness for forty years after what she did. Lyman is just a pathetic exuse for a human being! He is booksmart but dumb about the world around him I did not like this novel one bit.
Rating:
Summary: Serious read!
Review: my words may be simple in describing this great story of hope, perseverance, private pain and sorrow, but i know when i've finished a great story - i don't want it to end. i thank my good friend for turning me on to W.S., first with Crossing to Safety and now this book.
Rating:
Summary: would rank it higher if possible
Review: Top 5 books I have ever read, even though I am not finished. There has never been another book that has so captivated me. I read it for an hour every other day in order to stretch the story even further. There is so much to reflect on after an hour of this work, that anything more really does it an injustice. Take your time reading this awesome novel, reflect on it, and find your own angle or repose.
Rating:
Summary: Stunning
Review: This is this best book I have ever read. This is what I think of when I think of great literature. Stegner does a remarkable job of creating vivid, lifelike characters who think and feel like human beings. He shows their flaws, he shows their weaknesses, he shows their hopes and desires, and he shows that life is NOT necessarily rosy in the end. In this book, he shows how resentment and dishonesty with ONESELF can creep into and ruin a relationship. He does all this subtly and beautifully, with masterful, unparalleled writing. A true masterpiece.
Rating:
Summary: This Is America Between The Covers Of A Book
Review: "Angle of Repose" is Stegner's great American Novel. A thick, nourishing read that is the history of a marriage, a son dealing with his family's past near the end of his own life, settlement of the west and the juxtaposition of Victorian era morals with the counter-culture 60's.Only the depth and reality of Stegner's characters are a match for his heartfelt descriptions of landscape. Stegner is a true American master with a destinctive voice that will keep you involved and caring. Be warned, Stegner is addictive and if you finish "Repose" you'll want to read the rest of his work. Make time in your life to read and live!
|
