Customer Reviews

Nathan Coulter: A Novel

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This, Berry's first novel and the first to introduce his fictional Kentucky community Port William, displays the skill Berry shows as a poet. Not a word is wasted here; every one of them counts toward the whole. As with good poetry,as much is implied as stated outright here.

This is a story of initiation, of a young boy's coming to grips with his family and community and his own place in them. The book's final image, of the boy Nathan carrying his dying grandfather home, serves to sum up this theme perfectly.

This is a gentle novel and an auspicious beginning to an important saga of place and people.

Nathan Coulter is the second best book by Wendell Berry. The best is "A Place on Earth" but you have to read this one as an introduction. This series of fictional works revolves around the Port William community. Wendell Berry is also known for his essays on the decline of community and the resulting cost. I find his fictional works communicate his ideas on community better than his essays. The sense of place is wonderfully communicated and the even the most noble character is kept plausible with imperfections none of us can wholly escape.

Memoir-like drama is perfectly readable and engaging but suffers somewhat from occasional dryness and an abrupt ending. There are also several disturbing instances of animal cruelty, undertaken by the bored young boys in the story. Ultimately, it's the colorful yet sensitive characterizations of the uncle and grandfather characters that make the book worth one's time.

Those attracted to minimalist, lyrical prose will likely enjoy "Nathan Coulter" (the first entry in Wendell Berry's "Port William" series) more than those who prefer more descriptive, meaty reading experiences.

Wendell Berry will not leave you wanting - his books are wonderfully written, filled with truth, real life and unforgettable characters. He transports you back into better days, and leaves you challenged to think about how we live our lives!

This was a moving, beautifully written book. There's not much of a plot, but the setting and characters are so vivid they remain in your mind long after you've closed the book.

Not nearly as good as I wanted it to be - very slow moving with pedestrian content, and not much action. Maybe I was just not in the mood for what was offered.