Why I Chose to Listen to This Audiobook:
There are several reasons that led me to choose this audiobook. Firstly, I have really relished listening to other audiobooks penned by Wallace Stegner. His writing has a certain charm that keeps me engaged, so naturally, I added this one to my WTR list. Secondly, after indulging in a Louise Erdrich novel, I found myself in the mood for a Stegner story. The unique style and themes in Stegner's works always seem to have a special appeal to me. Thirdly, this audiobook was conveniently available on Hoopla, making it easily accessible for me. And finally, August 2022 is my personal "As the Spirit Moves Me Month", and this audiobook seemed like a perfect fit for that month.

Praises:
As a more "mature" reader (at least in terms of age

I've often pondered over what exactly constitutes "literary fiction". I've been in a state of indecision when it comes to categorizing a book as such, never truly grasping which specific characteristics set a book apart as literary fiction. Now, however, I firmly believe that I have stumbled upon a book that not only meets but far exceeds all expectations.

"The Spectator Bird" by Wallace Stegner was an absolute delight. The main characters, Joe, Ruth, and Astrid, were incredibly human and relatable. They were fully developed, with all their flaws and imperfections. The story had me completely engrossed, especially in the Audible version. I found myself constantly listening and eager to know more. Joe seemed to be floundering, a state he had been in for most of his life. He appeared to be disappointed in almost every aspect of his existence and was merely going through the motions. There was very little joy and a lot of endurance. He felt a sense of inadequacy and blamed himself for so many things. In today's terms, we would likely recognize him as moderately depressed rather than just a whiny, dissatisfied, complaining old man.

Ruth, on the other hand, was lovely, loyal, and loving. She was the brightest light in Joe's life, offering him unwavering support and care. Her outlook on life was quite different from Joe's curmudgeonly one as he approached his 70th year.

Astrid unexpectedly entered Joe's and Ruth's lives one summer in Denmark. She proved to be of great significance to them, just as they were to her. The connections among the characters were complex and often shocking. There was even a cameo appearance by Karen Blixen, also known as Isak Dinesen.

What made the listening experience truly wonderful was the outstanding narration by Edward Herrmann. His voice brought the characters and the story to life in the most captivating way.

The truest vision of life I know is that bird in the Venerable Bede. It flutters from the dark into a lighted hall, and after a while, it flutters out again into the dark.

But Ruth is right. It is something - it can be everything - to have found a fellow bird. With this fellow bird, you can sit among the rafters while the drinking, boasting, reciting, and fighting go on below. You can look after this fellow bird, find bugs and seeds for it. This bird will patch your bruises, straighten your ruffled feathers, and mourn over your hurts when you accidentally fly into something you can't handle.

That's the best description of a long marriage I've ever read. This is the story of a long marriage, filled with its ups and downs, highs and lows. They survived the death of their only son, endured the aches and pains of getting older, watched good friends get sick and die, or move into care homes. And ultimately, they knew that "the line forms on the left" as Joe says. A postcard from an old friend in Denmark leads them into reminiscences of a trip 20 years before. Joe realizes that choices have to be made and lived with, whether you're a spectator of life or not.

This was a magnificent novel. It's Wallace Stegner, what can I say? His writing is so profound and touching that it makes you think deeply about life and love.