Kent Haruf was a celebrated American author whose writing style has captured the hearts of many. He was born on February 24, 1943, in Pueblo, Colorado, and he had a passion for writing from a young age. Haruf’s books have been described as simple yet powerful, and they often deal with themes of love, loss, and the struggles of ordinary people. Despite his passing in 2014, Kent Haruf’s impact on the world of cinema and media continues to be felt.
Kent Haruf’s Biography and His Current Status
Kent Haruf attended Nebraska Wesleyan University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1965. He then went on to the University of Iowa, where he received an M.F.A. in 1973. After graduation, he moved to Colorado, where he lived for the rest of his life. Haruf worked as a high school English teacher before turning to writing full-time.
Haruf’s first book, “The Tie That Binds,” was published in 1984, and it was well-received by critics. He went on to write several more novels, including “Plainsong,” “Eventide,” and “Benediction.” Haruf’s final book, “Our Souls at Night,” was published in 2015, after his death.
Exploring Kent Haruf’s Literary Works – Briefly Describing the 5 Best Books
Kent Haruf’s writing style is often described as simple and spare, but it is also powerful and moving. His books deal with themes of love, loss, and the struggles of ordinary people. Here are the five best books by Kent Haruf:
- “Plainsong” – This novel tells the story of a small town in Colorado and the people who live there. It deals with themes of love, loss, and the power of community.
- “Eventide” – This is the sequel to “Plainsong,” and it picks up where the first book left off. It tells the story of the same small town in Colorado and the people who live there.
- “Benediction” – This novel tells the story of a dying man and his family as they come to terms with his impending death. It deals with themes of love, loss, and the struggle to find meaning in life.
- “The Tie That Binds” – This is Haruf’s first novel, and it tells the story of two siblings and their difficult upbringing on a farm in Colorado. It deals with themes of family, loyalty, and the struggle to escape one’s past.
- “Our Souls at Night” – This novel tells the story of two elderly people who begin a relationship late in life. It deals with themes of love, loss, and the search for companionship.
Intriguing Tidbits About Kent Haruf’s Life, Love Life, and Friendships
Kent Haruf was a private person, but there are some interesting facts about his life that are worth noting. For example, he was married twice and had three daughters. He was also a good friend of fellow writer Cormac McCarthy, and the two would often exchange manuscripts and offer each other advice.
Haruf was known for his love of the outdoors and spent much of his free time hiking and fishing. He was also an avid reader and was known to read several books a week.
Kent Haruf’s Portrayal of Social Classes – Rich or Poor in His Works
Kent Haruf’s books often deal with themes of social class and the struggles of ordinary people. His characters are often working-class or rural, and they struggle to make ends meet. However, Haruf’s portrayal of these characters is never patronizing or condescending. He treats them with respect and dignity, and his books are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
The Best Quotes from Kent Haruf’s Books
Kent Haruf’s writing is known for its simplicity and power. Here are some of the best quotes from his books:
- “The past never leaves us, it only changes its shape.” – From “Benediction”
- “Most of life is sad, they say, but it isn’t true. Life is full of possibilities.” – From “Plainsong”
- “Love doesn’t have to be on Valentine’s Day. It doesn’t have to be by the time you turn eighteen or thirty-three or fifty-nine. It doesn’t have to conform to whatever is usual. It doesn’t have to be kismet at once, or rhapsody by the third date.” – From “Our Souls at Night”
The Main Places Where Kent Haruf’s Books Are Set
Most of Kent Haruf’s books are set in Colorado, where he lived for most of his life. The small town of Holt, Colorado, is the setting for many of his novels, including “Plainsong,” “Eventide,” and “Benediction.” Other books, such as “The Tie That Binds,” are set on farms in rural Colorado.
Kent Haruf’s First Book and His Last Book
Kent Haruf’s first book was “The Tie That Binds,” which was published in 1984. His last book was “Our Souls at Night,” which was published posthumously in 2015.
The Screen Adaptation of “Our Souls at Night” and Its Impact
“Our Souls at Night” was adapted for the screen in 2017, and it starred Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. The movie received positive reviews, and it introduced a new generation of readers to Haruf’s work. The film also helped to raise awareness of Haruf’s writing and his impact on the world of cinema and media.
Other Artists Who Inspired Kent Haruf and Their Influence on His Work
Kent Haruf was inspired by many writers and artists, and their influence can be seen in his work. For example, he was a big fan of Hemingway and Steinbeck, and their writing style had a profound impact on his own. He was also inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, and his books often feature descriptions of small towns and rural landscapes.
Recommended Books and Authors for Fans of Kent Haruf
If you’re a fan of Kent Haruf’s work, here are some other books and authors that you might enjoy:
- Cormac McCarthy – McCarthy was a good friend of Haruf’s, and his books deal with similar themes of love, loss, and the struggles of ordinary people.
- Wallace Stegner – Stegner’s writing is often set in the American West, and his books deal with themes of family, community, and the natural world.
- Marilynne Robinson – Robinson’s writing is known for its simplicity and power, and her books deal with themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning in life.
- Annie Proulx – Proulx’s writing is often set in rural America, and her books deal with themes of family, identity, and the struggle to find a place in the world.
- Richard Ford – Ford’s writing is often set in small towns and rural landscapes, and his books deal with themes of family, love, and the complexities of human relationships.
Buying Guide and Gift Ideas for Kent Haruf’s Enthusiasts
If you’re a fan of Kent Haruf’s work, there are many ways to celebrate his legacy. Here are some gift ideas for the Kent Haruf enthusiast in your life:
- A collection of his books – You can’t go wrong with a collection of Kent Haruf’s books. They make great gifts for readers of all ages.
- A map of Holt, Colorado – Many of Haruf’s books are set in the fictional town of Holt, Colorado. A map of the town would be a great gift for fans of his work.
- A hiking guide to Colorado – Haruf was an avid hiker, and he spent much of his free time exploring the natural beauty of Colorado. A hiking guide to the state would be a great gift for fans of his work.
- A set of Edward Hopper prints – Haruf was inspired by the paintings of Edward Hopper, and a set of his prints would be a great gift for fans of his work.
Conclusion and the Lasting Legacy of Kent Haruf in the World of Cinema and Media
Kent Haruf was a gifted writer whose impact on the world of cinema and media continues to be felt. His books deal with themes of love, loss, and the struggles of ordinary people, and they are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Despite his passing in 2014, Haruf’s legacy lives on through his writing, and his books will continue to inspire readers for generations to come.
