A novel that delves deep into the process of growing old and the weighty burden of carrying the truth for countless years. As one reaches a particular age, a profound transformation occurs. One begins to look back on one's life not as an active participant but rather as a mere spectator. It is a moment of self-reflection and acceptance. The years have passed, and with them, the realization that some truths cannot be ignored or escaped. The protagonist in this novel has lived a life filled with secrets and hidden realities. Now, in the autumn of their years, they must come to terms with the choices they have made and the consequences that have followed. It is a journey of self-discovery and redemption, as they learn to embrace the truth and find peace within themselves.

Another beautifully crafted novel by Stegner delves deep into the complex themes of marriage, self-discovery, and even eugenics.

Stegner artfully intertwines two plot lines. One follows an aging, retired literary agent who is approaching his death with a healthy mix of fear, anger, and self-deprecating humor. As readers observe him grappling with his daily routines, an unexpected item arrives in his mailbox. It's a postcard from an old friend, a Danish noblewoman with whom he and his wife lived for a few months over twenty years ago. This prompts him to retrieve his journal from that trip, and his wife pleads with him to read it aloud to her at night. The story told in the journal then becomes the second narrative.

The second narrative is far less ordinary. There is a dark mystery surrounding this countess, which is not fully explained by her estranged husband, a social outcast due to his past Nazi sympathies. The truth is truly grotesque; in fact, it was so horrible that it was difficult for me to fathom why Stegner chose not to have any of his characters take any action regarding it. Although Joe Allston is characterized by his passiveness, Stegner constructs a society where the rumors circulating in Danish society are remarkably close to the truth. Therefore, I find it难以置信 that nobody would have investigated the allegations.

What's remarkable in this novel, however, is Stegner's ability to perfectly time the peaks of the two plotlines. As the reader recoils from the shocking revelations about Rodding's family, Stegner creates an emotional climax between Ruth and Joe, in response to long-buried feelings about their experiences in Denmark. This encounter enables Joe to share the one moment in his life when he was proactive, when he made a clear choice. It's a highly satisfying resolution for the reader.

I listened to this on Audible and found it thoroughly engaging.

Wallace Stegner is a novelist/philosopher whose works I have long admired. In particular, his novel Crossing to Safety is one of my favorites.

Stegner's prose is truly sublime. It has a beauty and elegance that draws the reader in and keeps them engaged from beginning to end. His descriptions are vivid and detailed, painting a picture in the reader's mind that is both realistic and captivating.

But it's not just the beauty of his prose that makes Stegner's works so great. His musings on life and living are also deep and thought-provoking. He explores themes such as love, friendship, loss, and redemption in a way that is both honest and profound.

Overall, I highly recommend Wallace Stegner's works to anyone who loves great literature. His novels are not only entertaining but also offer valuable insights into the human condition.

In the earlier novel, All the Little Live Things, Joe Allston had retired from being a literary agent. He then settled down with his wife Ruth in a charming country home in California.

This novel unfolds when Joe is 69 years old. To his great dismay, a great deal has changed around him. He is occupied with working on various notes when, quite unexpectedly, he discovers an old postcard. This postcard triggers his memory and prompts him to search for a diary from years ago when he and Ruth had visited Denmark. Ruth firmly insists that Joe read the diary aloud so that she can share in those precious memories. As Joe reads, Ruth listens intently, and in the process, she gains a deeper understanding of her husband's thoughts and feelings during that time. And so, the elderly couple sits cosily in bed, one listening and one reading.

However, reliving the past can set off a cascade of other thoughts. For various reasons, Joe ended up in a job that he wasn't overly enthusiastic about. His son遭遇了一场毫无意义的事故（或者并非毫无意义！）并不幸去世. Moreover, his little paradise in California is rapidly changing due to development. He is now acutely aware of his age and his physical frailties. He ruminates on old age and all the things that come with it (some things quite literally). He realizes that he has never truly fit in and that he has always regarded life as a spectator bird might. But upon reflection, was he really a spectator or not?

Some of Joe's grumpy, self-disparaging remarks are truly hilarious. This might not have the same effect on a younger reader, but those over 60 might well recognize the symptoms of Joe's grouchiness and empathize with him. Let's face it, laughter is indeed a great form of therapy. However, at times, there is such bitterness and pain in Joe's musings that it makes for rather difficult reading.

2023 - ‘70’s Immersion Reading Challenge

The Spectator Bird by Wallace Stegner (1976; 1990 ed.) is a thought-provoking novel that spans 214 pages.

The setting of the story alternates between California and Denmark.

The quote "It comes as a shock to realize that I am just killing time till time gets around to killing me." (p. 89) really struck a chord with me. At 58 years old, I sometimes feel the same way. The protagonist, Old Joe Allston, a retired and rather miserable literary agent, is 69 years old. He has become a cranky old man, grappling with his life's secret griefs, shames, regrets, and declining health.

Joe is burdened with arthritis, a fat belly, a balding head, and a stagnant retired life in sunny California. He realizes that he has been a mere spectator in his life, passively watching events unfold instead of taking control. He is envious of his aging friends, some of whom, despite their own serious health issues, are still active and thriving, while others, like himself, seem to be giving up. Depressed and in need of purpose, he decides to return to Bregninge, Denmark, his mother's hometown. Maybe there he can uncover some of her family's story. With his mother and son both dead, and only his adoring and faithful wife Ruth by his side, Joe embarks on this journey of self-discovery.

Ruth, who is socially active, stays by Joe's side throughout his exploration. However, it seems that Joe doesn't really find what he is looking for. Given his age, health, and circumstances, he seems to just settle. Nevertheless, he is more appreciative of having Ruth to talk to and help him through the rest of his life. They are comfortable with each other.

This story is more of a contemplation than anything else. It is likely to be more appreciated by older readers. There is some Danish dialogue in the book, which means nothing to me but shows the author's command of the language. The author also demonstrates his extensive knowledge of literary books, although I had no idea what or who he was referring to when he mentioned them, which was quite often. I thought the story line was good, but it did lag in some areas.

The story weaves back and forth between the present and a diary Joe wrote 20 years ago when they traveled to Denmark for a couple of months. There, he discovers the extreme incest within his mother's peasant family who lived in a cottage on the Rødding property, a long-time royal family of Denmark.

The quote "I too am fleeing Gomorrah, looking backward toward the good old ways." (p. 34) is quite interesting. I had never thought of the Bible story of Gomorrah in this way before. It seems that I, too, am looking backward this year, towards the good old days of the 1970s, through my reading challenge, music, and more. Maybe I'm stuck in the 1970s because the world seems to be going downhill, or perhaps because both of my parents are now gone. But, God forgive me as I work through these feelings. At this moment, I feel a lot like ol' Joe Allston, just floundering around.

Side note: It's funny that there was a produce boat tied up at the canal called the Hunden Bider. Since this book was written in 1976, I'm pretty sure the author has never even heard of Hunter Biden. Ha!

I’m Back.....

My first comments below: (Update follows)....
I need some time to cry in peace.
My GOD......
F#cking..... Hell......
This book will never leave me!!!!
Paul and I read pages together.....
I’m soooo thankful I read this....
The timing was perfect!!!!

Wallace Stegner is MY NUMBER 1 favorite author —
Three for three....
“Angle of Repose” and “Crossing to Safety”... and now
“The Spectacular Bird”.... are ALL TOP *EVER* favorite books!

I don’t think I’ve ever felt more thankful for a book in my life as in this moment! I could read it a dozen more times!!

Back later....
I’ve need some quiet reflection time... small tears to explore and sit with
THANK THE GOD’S - friends- Stegner - love in my heart - for this experience!

NEW UPDATE:

I’m back....having just having finished “All The Little Live Things”....( a great companion with “The Spectacular Bird”).

Wallace Stegner was a spectacular gifted writer....opening up grand thought-provoking discussions about life.....a reminder to be truly present in our own lives....including being tender with ourselves.

“In every choice there is a component, maybe a big component of pain”.

Joe Allston, a retired literary agent, received a postcard from an old friend, Astrid, a Danish countess. At first, Joe didn't tell his wife, Ruth, about it. But soon, he showed her not only the postcard but also the journals he wrote twenty years ago when they visited Denmark. It was a windy and rainy day. Joe came into the house, and Ruth was reading. She looked up and laughed at his disheveled appearance. She watched him with amused eyes, like Little Red Riding Hood's grandmother.

Joe and Ruth had lost their only son, Curtis, 37 years ago in a tragic surfing accident. The Danish trip was meant to be a form of therapy for Joe. He carried secret emotions of guilt, regret, and selfishness. With a gentle push from Ruth, Joe read her all that he had written. It took many evenings, and much was exposed. It wasn't comfortable, but Ruth was wonderful. She knew it was painful for Joe to read and for her to hear.

There was also a kiss between Joe and Astrid years ago. But it wasn't as simple as it seemed. Ruth understood. She said, "If you hadn't fallen at least a little bit in love with her I'd have thought there was something wrong with you." Joe didn't deny being smitten with Astrid. He wanted to do something for her and hated to leave her behind. But he also knew that he couldn't have forgotten Ruth if he had left her.

This novel is full of themes like marriage, aging, loss, death, grief, unfulfilled relationships, regret, understanding, forgiveness, acceptance, and love. Deep love! It won the National Book Award in 1977 and feels timeless. The writing is gorgeous, with beautiful descriptions that make you want to read them out loud. I enjoyed looking at this long-term marriage and being thankful for my own. There is something very endearing about Ruth and Joe, and the ending melted my heart.

I have read more than half of this novel, yet it truly failed to grip my interest firmly. I do have a certain fondness for the main characters, Joe Allston and Ruth. However, when it comes to 'the countess' and all the minutiae of her relationship with Joe, I neither like nor care.

I wouldn't label it as a bad novel - for indeed it isn't. But rather than persevering through this one, I would much prefer to read something else that piques my interest.

Anyway, here's hoping with crossed fingers for Angle of Repose.

“The difference between what we’d like to be and what we’re able to be. How to respect myself when I know I’m confused and cowardly. How to respect a world where nothing I believe in is valued. How to live and grow old inside a head I’m contemptuous of, in a culture I despise.” This profound statement makes one reflect deeply on the human condition and the challenges we face in trying to reconcile our ideals with the reality we encounter. It forces us to question how we navigate through a world that often seems at odds with our beliefs and values.

What a crazy book!

It is so boring that it makes you want to put it down after just a few pages. The story seems to drag on and on without any real purpose or excitement.

And then, out of nowhere, comes a completely bizarre plot detail that makes you wonder if the author was on some kind of strange drug when they wrote it. It's like they just threw in something random to try and shock the reader, but instead it just comes across as silly and confusing.

I really don't know what to make of this book. It's a total mess, and I would not recommend it to anyone.

If you're a devotee of what one of my colleagues dubs "grumpy old man books" - envision Fredrik Backman's A Man Called Ove - you'll soon discover as you delve into this modern classic that Stegner essentially pioneered the genre with retired literary agent Joe Allston.

Joe, a California dweller, looks back on his life and confesses that he's always been a "spectator bird," hesitant to engage and mostly content to float through events rather than take action. When he gets a postcard from an old friend and uncovers three journals sparked by his memories of her, he spends more time reflecting on a crucial event in their shared past. He shares the journals with his patient wife Ruth as they jointly strive to answer important questions about their lives and some of the tragedies they've endured.

The book is deeply poignant and moving, and Stegner's portrayal of character is extremely meticulous. Unlike in other novels that sometimes have perplexing and even confounding time jumps - a phenomenon my book club remarks occurs far too frequently - his command of the intricacies of his timeline and of both the past and contemporary stories leaves the reader satisfied. Stegner, who established the creative writing program at Stanford and won the National Book Award for fiction for this novel, showcases an authenticity and tone of authorial voice that are difficult to rival.

Joe is grumpy and self-centered, frustrated by the impacts of aging on his mind and body. However, the strength of character exhibited in his love for Ruth and his pursuit of a positive life makes him a nuanced, fully developed, and meaningful character. He is the aggregation of all his idiosyncrasies and flaws, but also of his intelligence, integrity, and mental sharpness. Although this is undeniably a book about life as we age and attempt to come to terms with our mortality, I would recommend it not only to senior adults in Joe's age range but also to any adult who has ever contemplated these issues for themselves or a loved one. 4 1/2 stars

Remarkable writing! There are few books that explore the nuances of a long-term marriage. However, this book does it beautifully. It delves deep into the complex emotions, the silent understandings, and the little sacrifices that make up a lasting relationship. The author has a keen eye for detail, painting a vivid picture of the couple's journey through the years. We see them grow and change, face challenges and overcome them together. The book is not just a story of love, but also of commitment, patience, and forgiveness. It shows that a long-term marriage is not always easy, but it is definitely worth it. Through the characters' experiences, we learn valuable lessons about what it takes to make a relationship last. This is a must-read for anyone who is in a long-term relationship or hopes to be in one someday.

I had never delved into any works penned by Wallace Stegner before, yet I truly relished this particular book.

The narrative predominantly centers around a man, in the company of his wife, as they age and how he copes with it on an emotional level.

I was thoroughly enamored with the writing style. It was so engaging that on several occasions, I couldn't help but burst out laughing at the clever witticisms.

This book had the distinction of being a National Book Award winner, which was the very reason I decided to give it a try. And I'm so glad I did.

I firmly believe that Stegner is going to be a new author whose works I'm eager to explore more of. His ability to craft a story that is both poignant and humorous, and to bring the characters to life so vividly, has truly impressed me.

I look forward to uncovering the other gems that he has undoubtedly hidden within his literary repertoire.

Wallace Stegner is often more lauded for his influence on and connection with other outstanding authors such as Tom Wolfe, Larry McMurtry, Ken Kesey, Edward Abbey, and others. However, I believe his own fiction is rather underestimated.

One of the notable moments in my sportswriting career had absolutely nothing to do with sports. I had a brief chat with Wolfe once about Stegner's dislike for Kesey.

I have read the majority of Stegner's fiction and a significant amount of his non-fiction. He is an extraordinary craftsman. I urge you to acquaint yourself with his work.

"The Spectator Bird" is a prime example of Stegner's skillful and disciplined writing. I can identify with Joe Allston's elderly dissatisfaction. As he faced his sense of unfulfillment, I too confronted my own while delving into his story.

I completed it today, and I'm sitting here in my living room feeling a bit down tonight.

Nevertheless, Stegner's truth will liberate me. I'll emerge from this funk. Perhaps tomorrow.