The Stations of Solitude [Paperback]

Alice Koller (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Koller constructs a contemplation on the place of Truth within daily life around such daily themes as waking, working, relationships, and dealing with money. The result is mostly autobiographical, almost claustrophobically so: what Koller thought, felt, and did looms so large as to obscure any helpful setting and too often closes off the reader from the described experience. Author of An Unknown Woman ( LJ 2/1/82), Koller is a scholar/writer who seems to center her life around herself and her dogs; she takes pride in her independence but complains when others have not come to her assistance as thoroughly as she believes they might. This is a disappointing book, primarily because Koller seems to be writing for herself, failing to invite readers into her exclusive domain of solitude.
- Francisca Goldsmith, Berkeley P.L., Cal.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Product Details

• Paperback: 364 pages
• Publisher: Bantam (September 1, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0553354078
• ISBN-13: 978-0553354072
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 12.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #853,509 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Intelligent woman's search for meaning, March 13, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Stations of Solitude (Hardcover)

It's quite a shame that this book is out-of-print and not as readily available as Ms. Koller's other title, "An Unknown Woman". I've read "Stations of Solitude" several times, and am always amazed at this woman's perspective. She speaks candidly of her travails in the politics of ivy-league academia, her enduring attachments to her friends (both human and animal), her struggles with money, and her intimate relationships with men. Ms. Koller truly knows what it's like to be alone, and at times revels in this condition and at other times seems resigned and withdrawn. I would recommend this book to anyone who has experienced self-imposed solitude. It's difficult to live alone, and yet for some it is necessary. I've read both of her books several times over the last 10 years, and as I undergo my own journey, I find something new each time I turn to these books. Neither are light reading; Ms. Koller's words hit hard and always make me question exactly what I'm doing.

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Stations of Solitude, December 24, 1999

By 

Deborah Weissler (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stations of Solitude (Hardcover)

I have read both of Alice Koller's books and was blessed, after reading "Stations" to be able to write to her and receive a reply back. Both of us have deeply mourned the untimely death of a beloved pet and soulmate, and her few words of comfort brought me solice. Her first book set the course of my life and I will be eternally grateful. I don't know if Alice is still alive, but if she is I wish she would write another.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars the animal connection, November 30, 2001

By 

lonebeaut (land of enchantment) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Stations of Solitude (Paperback)

I totally disagree with the reader from Munich who was disgusted by Koller's deep commitment to her animals. In my opinion, it's the strongest element of her book. She's an extremely intelligent person who's bravely and totally dedicated to the rights and welfare of animals, as well as being able to relate to the natural world all around her.

I picked up the book attracted by its title, because I'm a practitioner of solitude and serenity myself, but I was pleasantly surprised by her emphasis on the importance of animals and on respecting their integrity in her daily life. The story of Logos was heartbreaking. I could relate to that strongly, as the guardian of a number of dogs and cats. I believe that anyone who can feel so connected to our co-species is an extremely fortunate person. Sadly, too few people feel that connection, in our post-modern, over-busy world.