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Study Guide

Plainsong

Kent Haruf
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57 pages • 1 hour read

Kent Haruf

Plainsong

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999

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  • Before You Read

  • Summary

  • Character Analysis

  • Themes

  • Symbols & Motifs

  • Important Quotes

  • Essay Topics

    • Before You Read

    Reviews & Readership

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    Review Roundup

    Haruf's Plainsong garners acclaim for its evocative prose and poignant portrayal of small-town life. Critics praise its compelling characters and the intertwining of their lives, though some note the narrative's slow pace. While its simplicity is lauded, others find it lacks tension. Overall, it is celebrated for its emotional depth and authenticity.

    Who should read this

    Who Should Read Plainsong?

    A reader who enjoys deeply human, character-driven narratives would appreciate Kent Haruf's Plainsong. Fans of Marilynne Robinson's Gilead and Annie Proulx's The Shipping News will find its depiction of small-town life and intricate relationships particularly compelling. Haruf's spare, evocative prose appeals to those who value introspective and quietly powerful storytelling.

    Recommended

    Reading Age

    18+years

    Lexile Level

    770L

    Book Details

    Themes
    Relationships: Mothers
    Relationships: Family
    Genre
    Modern Classic Fiction