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kaylin_means's review against another edition
5.0
In her introduction to the book, Terry Tempest Williams said that Stegner “Created ‘an unorthodox drama’ out of decency” and I don’t think there could be a better summation of what I loved about this book. Nothing about this Crossing to Safety is sweeping or dramatic. There are no massive plot twists or surprises lurking in the next pages, and yet, I was held glued to the story as I waited to see what each chapter held for these characters. It is gripping in its simplicity and compelling in its ordinariness. 5 stars and I would give more if that were a thing.
mongert's review against another edition
3.0
Hmmm. This book is ostensibly about the friendship between two couples. However, I really found it to be more of a character study of the individuals, particularly the woman, in one of the couples. The writing is sublime, and I will definitely add more Wallace Stegner to my TBR list, however, I felt like the author focused on the negative aspects of Charity in this novel, and it started to annoy me and to even seem unfair.
beagletracy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
elizabethfisher1's review against another edition
4.0
This is a beautiful and understated novel about two married couples who become incredibly close friends, set between 1938 and 1972. The story focuses on the quiet moments of life told from the perspective of Larry, a gifted writer (very possibly a stand-in for Stegner telling some version of his own life). Thus the story reflects the prevailing perspectives of an upper middle class white man with its misogyny and sense of privilege and superiority included. If you can read this as a story from the singular perspective of its flawed and perhaps unreliable narrator (which I’m not saying is the correct or best way to read it), then you’re in for beautiful prose and a moving story of life, found family, and the grief and pain that comes along with it. Otherwise, the story is hopelessly stuck in a worldview many of us would find problematic today. My main complaint about this book is the one dimensionality of the women in the story, particularly Sally. I would recommend this one to people who love character-driven novels and who are looking for one that isn’t tragic and full of scandal or drama.
Shoutout to the FictionMatters book club for deepening my understanding of this book.
Shoutout to the FictionMatters book club for deepening my understanding of this book.
neartaking's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
erinkatherin's review against another edition
5.0
Really great writing: I’ll remember the young couple in a terrible basement apartment; the foursome living widely with extended family in the summer cottages; the hard last visit. The generosity (of resources and of spirit), and (perhaps) hope that tips into control.
While Stegner skims parenthood; he deeply writes adult friendship — and complexities and feeling that aren’t scandal. He asks questions about ‘what would it be like’ — that are framed sweetly and practically, but not necessarily romantically.
Descriptions of nature and character are excellent.
While Stegner skims parenthood; he deeply writes adult friendship — and complexities and feeling that aren’t scandal. He asks questions about ‘what would it be like’ — that are framed sweetly and practically, but not necessarily romantically.
Descriptions of nature and character are excellent.
bethsandford's review against another edition
3.0
This was between a two and a three for me because of the slow start. It was hard to get into but I found the ending more interestig than the beginning. Charity gave the reader lots to ponder or scream about !! Not one of my favorite characters for sure. The book is very well written but if you are looking for an action pact thriller or fast summer read with lots of twists and drama this may not be the book for you.
jaybles's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
lambsears's review against another edition
5.0
A beautifully written look at a friendship between two couples over a period of 40 years.
The characters are well developed and, without any moments of high drama or acute crisis, the tale rolls out smoothly, with a steady, pleasing rhythm.
Practically perfect and a joy to read.
The characters are well developed and, without any moments of high drama or acute crisis, the tale rolls out smoothly, with a steady, pleasing rhythm.
Practically perfect and a joy to read.