Readers Review: "Hannah Coulter" by Wendell Berry
http://thedianerehmshow.org/shows/2010-11-24/readers-review-hannah-coulter-wendell-berry
Diane invites listeners to join a discussion of "Hannah Coulter" by Wendell Berry. Hannah is an old woman who has experienced much loss but has never been defeated. Hannah is a twice-widowed mother of three. She finds herself reflecting on her childhood, her loves and loss, her children, and her beloved Kentucky farm life. Wendell berry is a renowned poet, author, essayist and farmer. He has set many of his stories, including this one, in the fictional town of Port William. "Hannah Coulter" is the story of the ties that bind a community.
Guests
The Right Reverand Jane Holmes Dixon
retired Episcopal Bishop of Washington, Pro-tempore.
Jason Peters
Professor of English at Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois, editor of "Wendell Berry: Life and Work."
Andrew Wingfield
Associate Professor in George Mason University's New Century College, the Director of Mason's BA program in Environmental & Sustainability Studies and author of the short story collection, "Right of Way."
Comments
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How fitting that a discussion of this delightful and beautiful novel should take place during the Thanksgiving holiday. Looking forward to it!
Oh, how I only wish I had gained from Wendell Berry's work before I entered my "later years", however never too late to be touched. Mr. Berry and I are from the same home county in KY - he is a true treasure and an inspiration to me as I continue to learn about my culture. I'm hoping you will speak to the strength of KY women; non-pretentious and solid women throughout time.
Thank you for turning me on to Wendell Berry. I especially liked the way they took care and respected their land, and how she refused to sell it to the developer at the end. I love the book club. I look forward to it every month.
Please try to announce next month's book today during the book review.
You were right (as usual), Diane. I was too busy listening to call in. And now that I have tried calling, the line is busy busy busy.
I have read all of Berry's novels - a sister gave me A Place on Earth last summer and I had to find all of his books. I have a fast-paced job and the pace of Berry's story-writing soothes me in the evenings - better than yoga!
I rarely get to listen to your show so big thanks for airing this topic this morning when I am off work for the holiday.
Meg Mettler
Fort Wayne Indiana
I have not read this particular book by Wendell Berry, but I have read Jayber Crow and was deeply touched by that book. His life and work speak to the young people I know in regard to matters of faith, living in community, and making this world a better place. I just attended a musical in Bloomington IN inspired by his poetry. Mr. Berry was there to share some of his poems about God's creation. I will have our book groups read this book. Thank you so much.
I read Hannah Coulter last summer. I was going through a mid-life crisis at the time, and Hannah's voice really spoke to me. I began to reflect on my own life and what my future might hold. I also became more aware of living in the moment with my husband and children.
How wonderful! I have not read Wendell Berry before but can't wait to dive in to this book! I am currently searching out a better 'existence' for me and my family and am struggling with the decision to buy a small farm where we can raise our two young children or stay in the City of Syracuse to foster a more sustainable life style... I grew up in the country and worry we will miss out on having our children share the experiences I had. A real community exists in our University Neighborhood - its wonderful, but it seems there are few children 'in the woods' these days. Sounds like this book will push me over to making a decision (and convincing my husband) it will be a life of fulfillment for me and the kids. Thanks Diane!
Tavia Gilbert
Syracuse, NY
Thank you for the discussion of Wedell Berry. He has been my favorite, morning poet for the past year. I will read Hannah Coulter ASAP. He is a treasure.
Thanks for introducing me to Wendell Berry. I am putting Hannah Coulter on my Christmas list! I am a Kentuckian who has left home, returned and am now in the process of moving my young family to California. I think this will be a great book as my family embarks on our new journey.
Listeners/Readers may want to refer back to
Herbert Gans - The Levittowners for a classic seminal investigation and discussion of community, propinquity, social distance, social networks, and (new) community development
as well as "The Happiness / Well-Being Literature" including
Daniel Haybron - The Pursuit of Unhappiness, for a contemporary discussion that in part is rooted in the author's boyhood and personal experiences in a well-functioning socially-rich community.
Love yr show on this book - prompted me to check it out and purchase. Happy thanksgiving - love yr show!
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I was traveling when I listened to this discussion, and it shortened a long trip. YOur guests made wise and inviting comments that I hope will generate more readers for Berry's work. I've taught Berry's novels, stories, essays, and poems for over twenty-five years, and I've always found him to be exceedingly humane and common-sensed. His characters live lives of emotional and ethical conflict, but they also understand gentle humor, love, and cooperation. Hannah Coulter is a fine novel, and can be enjoyed by readers of all ages (I read it aloud to my 92-year-old mother), but taken all together, the collected works of Wendell Berry represent a human treasure. He is the sort of writer we should wish to win the Nobel.