The Poet of Tolstoy Park: The Road Less Traveled

I selected this novel by Sonny Brewer as my Moderator's Choice for members of On the Southern Literary Trail for January, 2018. I first read The Poet of Tolstoy Park: A Novel upon its publication in 2005. Since then, I have recommended this book to numerous readers. It pertains to a journey that we all must undertake - facing our own mortality. Do not be disheartened by the serious nature of the subject matter. It is not the final stop when the train pulls into the station. Instead, it is about how we choose to live along the way on this trip. Read on.

ACQUAINTED WITH THE NIGHT
BY ROBERT FROST
I have been one acquainted with the night.
I have walked out in rain—and back in rain.
I have outwalked the furthest city light.

I have looked down the saddest city lane.
I have passed by the watchman on his beat
And dropped my eyes, unwilling to explain.

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet
When far away an interrupted cry
Came over houses from another street,

But not to call me back or say good-bye;
And further still at an unearthly height,
One luminary clock against the sky

Proclaimed the time was neither wrong nor right.
I have been one acquainted with the night.

This is a novel of historical fiction, an exceptional one about an exceptional man. Henry James Stuart, sixty-seven years old, lived in Nampa, Canyon County, Idaho. He was widowed, having been married to his beloved wife Molly for over thirty years. They had two sons, Harvey and Thomas. Henry had attended Seminary but didn't place much value on the institutional church. Nevertheless, his best friend was Will Webb, one of the town's local ministers. Henry lived a rather idyllic life, aside from enduring the painful loss of Molly. He had his home, thirty-six acres of woods surrounding it, and his library. Henry Stuart was an educated man, a man of ideas, a reader of Thoreau, Emerson, the wisdom of Oglala Sioux Black Elk, and most of all, Leo Tolstoy, in Russian.

But life can change so rapidly. In 1925, Henry was diagnosed with Tuberculosis. He might have only a year to live. A change of climate could improve his chances of having a few more days, weeks, or even months. You might say Henry Stuart became one acquainted with the night.

Henry considered San Diego, California. However, his friend Will handed him a brochure for Fairhope, Alabama, a unique single tax colony founded on the principles of Henry George, a contemporary of Leo Tolstoy. The colony had been established by George and twenty-eight followers in 1894. It would be a Utopia.

Henry pursued the purchase of ten acres of land on the outskirts of Fairhope in the township of Montrose through a resident named Philip Stedman. As soon as the transaction was completed, Henry decided to travel by train to Mobile, Alabama, and then by steamer across the Bay where he would meet Stedman, who would drive him to his property.

To be continued...

A man seeking peace and acceptance in death

This is a truly beautiful story with characters that are bound to leave a lasting impression on you. Henry, a man with a heavy heart, makes a significant move from Idaho to Fairhope, AL. He is in the final stages of his life and is desperately seeking to fill his remaining days with meaning and purpose. In Fairhope, he hopes to find the peace and acceptance that has eluded him for so long. As he begins to explore this new town, he meets a diverse group of people who will change his life in ways he never expected. Through his interactions with them, he discovers that there is still much to live for, even in the face of death. This story is a powerful reminder of the importance of finding peace and acceptance within ourselves, no matter what stage of life we may be in.

I read this after I described the building of my new concrete stoop to my friend Julie Rockefeller.

She mentioned this book and how much she liked it. She said she didn't have a copy because every time she loaned it out, it wasn't returned.

I have been handling my grieving process with an upswing in creative activities. The idea was that if I keep busy making stuff, I won't have time to cry.

Well, it turns out that this approach doesn't really work. However, I have managed to get a lot of things done.

This book is really good and makes for a great read. I will definitely read it again.

I'm glad Julie recommended it to me. It has provided some distraction and entertainment during this difficult time.

I'm looking forward to sharing my thoughts on the book with her when we next talk.

Maybe I'll even ask her if she wants to borrow my copy, despite her warning about books not being returned.

After all, sharing good books is a wonderful thing.

A lovely character study indeed. It is sort of a modern day Thoreau, which is truly fascinating. This individual seems to have a unique perspective on life, much like Thoreau did in his time.

They might have a penchant for simplicity, choosing to live a life that is unencumbered by the trappings of modern society. Perhaps they have a deep connection with nature, finding solace and inspiration in the great outdoors.

Like Thoreau, they may also be a keen observer of the human condition, offering insights and reflections that are both profound and thought-provoking. Their character study could be a source of inspiration for others, showing that it is possible to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in a world that often seems chaotic and overwhelming.

Overall, this modern day Thoreau is a captivating figure, one whose story is well worth exploring and learning from.

A truly wonderful story unfolds about a man named Henry. He left his home and beloved sons behind in Idaho to embark on a journey to the warmer climate of Fairhope, Alabama. Henry's doctor had delivered the devastating news that he had a terminal case of tuberculosis and had only a year left to live. However, he believed that spending that year in a warmer place would make his life easier. Henry, a retired professor and a great lover of the writings of Tolstoy, made up his mind to do just that. He purchased 10 acres of land and relocated to Alabama, ready to begin what he thought would be the final year of his life.

As is often the case with such stories, many unexpected events occurred along the way. But Henry took them all in his stride, showing remarkable resilience and adaptability. The author has a very lyrical writing style that compels the reader to pause and consider what they would do if faced with similar circumstances. There is also a twist in this man's story that adds an extra layer of intrigue.

This is truly a wonderful book that can be savored by reading it again and again. It offers not only an engaging narrative but also profound insights into the human condition and the choices we make in the face of adversity.

This book encompasses the most remarkable story of a man on the verge of dying and the way he elected to spend his final days.

Surprisingly, it is far more optimistic than what one might assume from the initial description.

Sonny has an obvious passion for this story and the area it is set in, and his love permeates throughout the entire narrative.

To such an extent that you will find yourself falling in love with it all as well.

The detailed account of the man's journey, his decisions, and the events that unfold make for a truly engaging read.

It shows that even in the face of death, there can be beauty, hope, and a sense of purpose.

Sonny's enthusiasm for sharing this story is palpable, and it draws the reader in, making them eager to discover more about the man and his remarkable choices.

Overall, this book is a testament to the power of love and the ability to find meaning and joy in the most unexpected of circumstances.

Fetching and Intriguing

Embark on a captivating journey as you feel the highs and lows of a very human soul. This remarkable piece of work offers a profound exploration of the human experience. Without a moment's hesitation, simply order and download it now. Once you have it in your hands, prepare to dig deeply into the lives of the characters you encounter on these pages. Discover their joys, sorrows, hopes, and dreams. As you immerse yourself in their stories, you will also breathe in the valuable lessons from the sage of Tolstoy Park. Let the words transport you to a world filled with rich emotions and profound insights. Open your heart and mind to the beauty and wisdom that awaits within these pages.

This was a truly poignant story. It delved deep into what one man experiences on his journey towards dying. In this particular instance, he astonishingly discovered that it was more of a profound study on how to live. So that when the inevitable end comes, one can feel as if they have truly made a difference in the world.

Henry Stewart, an ordinary man, didn't have the intention of making such a significant impact on the lives of others as he ultimately did. However, his simple choices, many of which were completely beyond my comprehension, set him apart. He wasn't just an oddity; instead, he became a beloved and cherished member of the community. His actions, though看似 simple, had a profound and lasting effect on those around him.

People were drawn to him, not because of any grand gestures, but because of the authenticity and kindness that shone through in his every decision. Henry Stewart's story serves as a powerful reminder that even the simplest of choices can have a far-reaching impact and that living a life with purpose and meaning is truly what matters in the end.

I picked up this book with the hope of delving deeper into the central character, Henry James Stuart. To my surprise, I found that it is a novel, albeit loosely based on the historical Stuart.

He was a man who, in the 1920s, made a remarkable move from his long-time home in Idaho to Fairhope, AL, on the shores of Mobile Bay, without even seeing the place beforehand. In his 60s, he left Idaho after contracting tuberculosis and being told he had only a year to live. There, he built a concrete igloo and lived alone in the woods. The building still stands today and has inspired me to learn more about this fascinating man. The locals knew him as "The Hermit," yet he apparently had numerous visitors, including luminaries like Clarence Darrow and Sherwood Anderson.

The author offers some factual information about Stuart and uses it as a framework to construct his fictional story. However, the story itself is not overly interesting, and the pacing is rather slow. But then again, one might argue that a story about a hermit is bound to be slow! The philosophy attributed to Stuart is the most captivating part of the book. The author speculates that Stuart based his philosophy on that of Tolstoy, who, unbeknownst to me, published many non-fiction books on philosophy. This has now piqued my interest, and I intend to seek out these books and explore Tolstoy's philosophical ideas further.

In the 1920s, there was a fictionalized story of an Idaho man who was diagnosed with a terminal illness, TRB, and was given only a year to live.

Determined to make the most of his remaining time, he decided to relocate. He chose a spot just outside Fairhope, Alabama, and there he built himself an unconventional home.

Surprisingly, this unique home still exists to this day. Greg and I had the good fortune to discover it on our way back from the beach last weekend. It was truly very cool!

Against all odds, the man ended up living another twenty years. His story serves as an inspiration, showing that even in the face of a dire prognosis, one can find a way to create a meaningful and lasting life.

The existence of his unconventional home is a testament to his creativity and determination. It stands as a reminder that sometimes, the most unexpected places and things can hold great significance and beauty.

We were both amazed and fascinated by our discovery, and it has left a lasting impression on us.

We will always remember the story of the Idaho man and his remarkable home just outside Fairhope, Alabama.

A man, who is suffering from consumption and is on the verge of death, makes a significant decision. He decides to leave his home in Idaho. He bequeaths the majority of his goods to his sons and his best friend. Then, he relocates to Fairhope, Alabama, believing that the milder weather there will be more conducive to his condition. Driven by the profound wisdom of Tolstoy and Thoreau, he embarks on a journey to make peace with death. Making peace with death for him involves several aspects. He chooses to go shoeless, as he believes it brings him closer to nature and helps him achieve a certain state of mind. He also decides to build a round hut to live in. The process of building the hut and engaging in manual labor helps him to become whole in both mind and body. Surprisingly, instead of lasting just the one year that was expected, he manages to survive for 20 years. During this time, he becomes an important and integral part of the community. This story is not a work of fiction but is based on historical fact. The man actually existed, and he did indeed build the house. His remarkable journey serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the power of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

I had held such high hopes. The concept itself was truly captivating and full of potential. I was completely enamored with the idea. However, when it came to the actual execution, it fell far short of my expectations.

It was a major letdown. The details that were supposed to bring the idea to life seemed to be lacking or poorly implemented. There were aspects that could have been developed further to make it more impactful and engaging. Instead, it felt rushed and incomplete.

I couldn't help but feel disappointed. Despite the initial excitement, the final result failed to deliver the wow factor that I was anticipating. It serves as a reminder that having a great idea is just the beginning; the execution is equally, if not more, important.