57 pages • 1 hour read
Kent HarufPlainsong
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1999A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Plainsong by Kent Haruf, set in the high plains of eastern Colorado, weaves multiple storylines into a profound exploration of community, acceptance, and loneliness. Key figures like Tom Guthrie, his sons Ike and Bobby, pregnant teenager Victoria Roubideaux, and the McPheron brothers navigate isolation and personal challenges, eventually finding solace and new connections within their small-town community. Sensitive topics such as depression, mental health struggles, and verbal abuse are depicted.
Reviews & Readership
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 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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
770L