A story of remembrance, both real and imagined, is a powerful and captivating narrative. It weaves together the threads of actual events and the flights of fancy that occur within the mind.

Such a story can transport us to different times and places, allowing us to relive memories and explore new possibilities.

The real elements ground the story in truth and authenticity, while the imagined parts add an element of creativity and wonder.

Through this combination, we are able to experience a range of emotions and gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Whether it is a personal memoir or a fictional tale, a story of remembrance has the ability to touch our hearts and leave a lasting impression.

It reminds us of the importance of holding onto our memories and using them to shape our future.

So, let us embrace the power of storytelling and allow ourselves to be carried away by the magic of a story of remembrance.

Rated four stars primarily because of my deep love for the writing and narration.

Bruce vividly recounts in great detail the events that took place over forty years ago, precisely during the time of The Big Rock Candy Mountain.

It's truly remarkable how he manages to bring those long-gone moments to life on the pages.

If you don't recall his earlier novel, it would be highly advisable to brush up on it prior to delving into this one.

Doing so will provide you with a better context and enhance your overall reading experience.

The story unfolds with a certain charm and authenticity that keeps you engaged from start to finish.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Bruce's work or a newcomer, this book is definitely worth a read.

You'll find yourself immersed in the world he has created and eager to discover what lies ahead in the narrative.

Overall, it's a solid four-star read that will leave you with a lasting impression.

A boy named Tom had a dream of becoming a great man. He was not born into a wealthy or influential family, but he had a strong will and a burning desire to succeed. From a young age, Tom was determined to make a difference in the world.

Tom worked hard in school, always striving for the top grades. He participated in various extracurricular activities, honing his leadership skills and learning how to work with others. He also read countless books, expanding his knowledge and视野.

As Tom grew older, he faced many challenges and setbacks. But he never gave up. He continued to work hard, learning from his mistakes and using them as stepping stones to success. Eventually, Tom's hard work paid off. He became a respected leader in his field, making significant contributions to society.

Tom's story shows that anyone can become a great man if they have the determination, hard work, and perseverance. It doesn't matter where you come from or what your background is. With the right attitude and a willingness to learn and grow, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.

The prom intermission, when Bruce and Nola returned to the house on 700 South, stands out as my favorite recollection from Mason.

Here, every character reveals their vulnerability. It is a spontaneous moment, the greatest that Bruce and Nola will experience. Bruce introduces Nola and jokes with his ailing mother. However, his intruding father brings the moment to a grinding halt, and the joy vanishes.

Growing up as a youngster in 1977 Salt Lake City, I relished Stegner's references. He mentions places like the Deseret Gym, Hotel Utah (Sky Room), South Temple, The International Trade Center (Adnan Khashoggi), and the City Cemetery, among others. The imagery is rich, clearly written by someone who spent a significant amount of time in the Salt Lake Valley.

I wish that Mason's life would have been described in more detail after 1977. Additionally, I found it illogical for Mason's aunt to hold onto the box without giving it to Bruce. Why did she keep it for so many decades?

Stegner writes with the breadth of Dickens. I truly wish I could have shaken his hand.

Initially, I wasn't particularly crazy about this book. It seemed that either the story meandered aimlessly or perhaps it was just my perception. However, something significant happened midway through the reading process, and suddenly it started to work for me. The concept that you can't go home again is truly spot on. I have personal experience in this regard as I have tried to do just that. We should embrace our youth, cherish those precious moments, but not foolishly return to seek it again. Because it simply won't be there in the same way. What we long for, those memories and feelings of the past, will have changed, just as we ourselves have evolved. The last half of the book really drives home these important and profound truths, making it a worthwhile read in the end.

Wallace Stegner was my father's professor at the University of Utah.

I also lived in Salt Lake City, and this city holds a special place in my heart.

This book is extremely special to me. It was crafted with great care and attention to detail.

I vividly remember the rich history of Salt Lake, as my grandparents and forebears have lived here for generations.

Reading this book, I was able to immerse myself in the stories and experiences of the past.

I thoroughly enjoyed it, as I could easily identify with the places and events that were described.

I know exactly where he was talking about, as my Great grandfather was the head doorman at the Hotel Utah.

This is my story, and it is a part of who I am.

So, please don't mess with me or try to change the way I feel about this book and my connection to Salt Lake City.

It is a precious and unique part of my life that I will always cherish.

This book could potentially be regarded as a sequel to The Big Rock Candy Mountain. However, in reality, the pages are simply brimming with the thoughts of Bruce Mason as he makes his way back to Utah for the funeral of an aunt. He is now an elderly man, and as he drives along the streets of Salt Lake City, a flood of memories come rushing back to him.

I believe that the appreciation for this novel originates from an understanding of the life that Mason led. There was the treatment he received from his father, which surely had a profound impact on him. His love and deep concern for his departed mother also shine through in his thoughts. Additionally, the friendships he formed during his youth hold a special place in his heart.

Just like all of Stegner's novels, this one is beautifully written. The prose flows smoothly, drawing the reader in and allowing them to experience the emotions and memories that Mason is reliving. It is a testament to Stegner's skill as a writer that he can create such a vivid and engaging story with just the thoughts and reflections of a single character.

I don't remember Big Rock Candy Mountain that well.

To be honest, aside from it being rather sad, this book simply never managed to grab my attention.

There just wasn't enough of a story to the past. So much was hinted at, but not really described in detail.

As I read more of Stegner's novels, his attitude towards women also becomes increasingly tiresome for me.

However, it must be said that Crossing to Safety and Angle of Repose are truly treasures.

Their stories are engaging and well-written, with complex characters and themes that make them stand out.

Despite my disappointment with Big Rock Candy Mountain, I still have high hopes for Stegner's other works and look forward to seeing what else he has to offer.

Perhaps with further exploration, I will discover more hidden gems like Crossing to Safety and Angle of Repose.

Only time will tell.

I have a profound liking for the duality presented in the title. Here, the narrator finds himself revisiting his hometown after a long span of 45 years since he fled. This act of returning not only brings back memories of the place but also stirs up a host of emotions related to his past.

Moreover, the idea that the narrator is once again succumbing to his self-abusive ruminating is quite poignant. He dwells on the memories of his horrible father, the embarrassing poverty they endured, his own rather dubious morality, and his late-bloomer pipsqueak precocious adolescence. In essence, he seems to rue everything about those desperate days.

Ambassador Bruce Mason has returned to Salt Lake City for the funeral of his maiden aunt. Sadly, no other family members remain. As he wanders through the much-changed streets of his boyhood home, he berates himself for not taking better care of his mother, for losing his first love, and for losing touch with the best friend of his youth.

This narrative makes me deeply reflect and ask myself what I would think if I were to meet up again with my younger self. It's a thought-provoking question that makes one wonder about the choices we make, the paths we take, and the regrets we accumulate along the way.

Forty-five years after leaving Salt Lake City, his high school, and the University of Utah from 1925 to 1931, Bruce Mason makes a return.

His purpose is to arrange the funeral of his aunt. The narrative unfolds as a fascinating combination of his vivid memories of family, dear friends, and a plethora of experiences. It is often punctuated by frequent streams of consciousness.

I find myself in a somewhat similar situation as I am about the same age now as Bruce was during his 1977 return to Salt Lake City. He is delving deep into events and emotions that occurred years prior, and lately, I too sometimes engage in such retrospections.

Living in Salt Lake City myself, I am intimately familiar with almost all the landmarks and locations that are vividly described in the book. This familiarity adds an extra layer of meaning and connection for me.

Bruce's insights are both poignant and highly insightful. The story is partially autobiographic, yet fictionalized in a way that makes it all the more engaging.

When reading many of today's mysteries and thrillers, which are predominantly plot-driven, I often forget just how lovely and captivating beautifully-written prose can be. This book serves as a wonderful reminder of that fact.

Stegner has a remarkable ability to pen about complex personal relationships. He does so in a concise yet understanding way. This enables both the reader and the characters within the story to gain a profound understanding of how their lives are molded by those experiences. It is no easy feat, as lesser authors often reduce such complex themes to clumsy, awkward, and uncomfortable reading. However, Stegner's work is truly a gem. It is well worth taking the time to read and savor. The nuggets of wisdom and the deep insights he provides will stay with you long after you have turned the last page. His writing is a masterclass in exploring the intricacies of human relationships and the impact they have on our lives.

I really liked this book.

Overall, it was a slow read, but I didn't cast it aside.

I was unaware that the novel by Wallace Stegner was so laborious.

I didn't realize that Recapitulation was a sequel to Stegner's The Big Candy Rock Mountain.

However, I do feel that I can go back and read that one.

The major character, Bruce Mason, had an unreliable upbringing with his family.

His father was domineering, his mother was docile, and he had a brother.

His father ran a speakeasy gambling establishment in the home, and the mother and sons were supposed to be quiet and stay away.

Bruce made friends slowly but surely.

His escapades with his college girlfriends, Holly and Nola, played a prominent role in his earlier life.

He returns to his hometown, Salt Lake City, for his aunt's funeral and reminisces about the life he left 50 years ago.

In my feeling, he makes no contacts to keep his memories undisturbed.

A box left for him from his aunt tells all, but Bruce still walks away.

I leave the rest for the next reader to discover.