I've just finished reading my first Harouf novel, "Our Souls at Night", the Italian translation. In one sentence, it's truly and simply an homage to love. It just broke my heart. This quiet story in its simplicity is so meaningful, a thoughtful story that reflects the complexity of human condition. No wonder The Library Journal described his writing as "honest storytelling that is compelling and rings true." The plot is not much to know about. We have Addie Moore and Louis Waters, both in their 70s, neighbours not friends who live in Holt, Colorado. One day, Addie approaches Louis and asks if he would consider coming to her house occasionally, to share her bed. Nothing sexual just conversation. What follows is so aching and beautiful and solemn. I love how they open up and talk about their lives and pasts, their hopes and desires. The title of the book reflects the theme of the novel so well. Meanwhile, they deal with their neighbours and friends spreading rumours and the grumblings from their children Holly (Louis's daughter) and Gene (Addie's son). Also Addie's son is going through a separation and for a while, her sad and insecure grandson Jamie, comes to stay with her. Such a short book but with a lot of meaning and substance to it. With this novel, Harouf shows us how much poetry is it in the everyday life if we choose to live it with a bit of courage; how much responsibility we have as parents, and at the same time how many handicaps and how it's practically impossible to escape stifling generational patterns of behaviour. Am I rambling too much about it? Just read it!