Customer Reviews

Sweet Land: New and Selected Stories

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I watched the movie Sweet Land before I read the story, A Gravestone made of Wheat, and I loved it. But after reading the 15 page story, I was wondering why in the world the movie director chose to interpret the story as he did. Seems to me he completely missed the essence of the story - which is as elegantly simple as Karen Blixen's Babette's Feast. The other stories are amazingly well written as well, but the idea behind "The Gravestone made of Wheat" makes it the jewel of the book. I love it!

Will Weaver - what an interesting writer! His word pictures and the way he presents his characters are intriguing. Each story in Sweet Land has a different flavor; some thought provoking and some hysterically funny! Our book club will be adding Will Weaver to our "must read" lists!

I enjoyed all the stories in this collection. Great reading for relaxation in a hurry. Will reread them all.

Wonderfull story telling, wonderful stories of Minnesota farmers.

I'm going back to the library in an hour to look for Red Earth, White Earth by Weaver and A Gravestone Made of Wheat and Other Stories. The rest of his books appear to be geared towards young adults.

Novels and novellas
Saturday Night Dirt (2008)
Defect (2007)
Full Service (2005)
Claws (2003)
Memory Boy (2001)
Hard Ball (1998)
Farm Team (1995)
Striking Out (1993)
Red Earth, White Earth (1986)

Short story collections
Sweet Land (2006)
A Gravestone Made of Wheat and Other Stories (1989)
WWJD

Nonfiction
Barns of Minnesota (with Doug Ohman) (2005) a picture book

Because I have lived nearly 50 years in the midwest (I am a mountain person and in retirement returned there) I found this book pure delight to remember living among such good, solid people and a refreshing discussion of the land and farms. Great read!!

Will Weaver is an accomplished author and this book is a good showcase of his talents. I loved his stories of life in the rural heartland. His characters are vivid, believable and engaging. A very enjoyable read!

My BookClub picked this book. At first I was disappointed because it is a collection of short stories. However, I was very impressed! The stories are wonderfully written and give you lots to think about. Impressed with in so few pages he could explain complex farming processes that didn't bore. I love supporting MN authors! I will definately look for more of his work and recommend.

Absolutely wonderful book. Maybe not everyone's cup of tea, but the writing shines and each story had me riveted. I have seen reviews complaining about the Midwestern flavour - nonsense ! These stories are about real people anywhere. I can only compare them to Anne Tyler's best work, but I think Mr Weaver writes even better. More, please!

I grew up in the Midwest, but left in 1969. This book brings back a lot of memories of the people I met or knew, including my beloved Aunt Anna (a country school teacher) and Uncle Ole (a real Norwegian bachelor farmer). I liked all of the stories; they are well written and the characters for the most part feel real. I bought the book after seeing Sweet Land, and could not put it down once I started reading.

Don't get me wrong. This book is not just county, but a book of short stories that will warm your soul and make you laugh too. As you read these stories, you will be transported and live with the characters. Also, the movie is great. Get both. Amen.