Monday, October 19, 2015

Tuesday Intro: Out Stealing Horses

Early November. It's nine o'clock.The titmice are banging against the window. Sometimes they fly dizzily off after the impact, other times they fall and lie struggling in the new snow until they can take off again. I don't know what they want that I have. I look out the window at the forest. There is a reddish light over the trees by the lake. It is starting to blow. I can see the shape of the wind on the water.
Out Stealing Horses
by Per Petterson

Our next book club selection is a book that has been on my wish list for years. I read the first few pages of Out Stealing Horses  last night - my initial thought is that this book will be very visual and very quiet. And maybe a slow build, too. Exactly what I'm in the mood for at the moment.

Here is a portion the goodreads summary:
Trond's friend Jon often appeared at his doorstep with an adventure in mind for the two of them. But this morning was different. What began as a joy ride on "borrowed" horses ends with Jon falling into a strange trance of grief. Trond soon learns what befell Jon earlier that day--an incident that marks the beginning of a series of vital losses for both boys. 
Set in the easternmost region of Norway, Out Stealing Horses begins with an ending. Sixty-seven-year-old Trond has settled into a rustic cabin in an isolated area to live the rest of his life with a quiet deliberation. A meeting with his only neighbor, however, forces him to reflect on that fateful summer.
What do you think? Are you tempted to keep reading?


Every Tuesday, Diane at Bibliophile by the Sea posts the opening paragraph (sometime two) of a book she decided to read based on the opening. Feel free to grab the banner and play along.

43 comments:

  1. I read this one when it was first released and liked it, even though I don't remember much about it now. Hope you like it as well.

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  2. Sounds like it could be a good one. Enjoy!

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  3. I'd keep reading. Looks like a great book for this time of the year!

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    1. Monica - I think it will be... the mood seems to suit the season.

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  4. I'm not sure that I would pick this one up for myself, but it does sound like a promising read, JoAnn! I hope you enjoy it!

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  5. I love, love, love his books. Enjoy!

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    1. Beth F - Already have a feeling I'll be adding his others to my list.

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  6. I have a copy of this on my TBR shelf. I'm not sure how long it's been there, but I know it's been sitting there awhile. I really should read this one. I like the opening you shared. It does have a quiet feel to it, doesn't it? Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Wendy - Yes, it's very quite and contemplative. It's also quite beautiful.

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  7. Oh, I love "visual" and "quiet" sometimes...and this sounds like the kind of book I'd savor. Beginning at the "end" of the character's life gives us the opportunity to see his reflections...sounds good. Thanks for sharing and for visiting my blog.

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    1. Laurel-Rain Snow - The 'beginning at the end' aspect has really piqued my interest, too. I really like the book so far.

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  8. This sounds heavy but the description in the opening is beautiful. I love "shape of the wind on the water." I think I'd have to be in the right mood to read this story, but it sounds like a book I'd enjoy.
    Thank you for stopping by my blog. I appreciate your comments.
    Sandy @ TEXAS TWANG

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    1. Sandra - The "shape of the wind on the water" was my favorite phrase there, too. Seems to suit my current mood perfectly.

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  9. My book club is considering reading this next year. I'm afraid the first paragraph didn't make me excited about reading on. It's probably one of those books that grow on you,

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    1. Margot - I started this book several years ago and it just didn't grab me, but this time it clicked. Maybe it is something you need to be in the right mood to enjoy?

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  10. I've been interested in this title for a while now, so I appreciate the information you've shared. Hope you enjoy it.

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  11. I'm tempted! The snow, Norway, the horses, the quiet...

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    1. Peggy Ann - All those things definitely appeal to me, too!

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  12. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did.

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  13. I've never heard of this book but I really like the sound of it. I love the setting and the memories; sometimes a quiet book is just what is needed.

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    1. Cleo - And I think being in the right mood to appreciate a book like this is important, too.

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  14. A book that is visual and quiet has such potential to display good writing and characterization.

    The book blurb sounds intriguing. I would read this.

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    1. Brian Joseph - After 60 pages, I am completely sold on this book... it is beautiful, quiet, and contemplative in the best possible way!

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  15. I have been perusing this one...and then sort of letting it go but it does grab my attention!

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    1. Patty - I started this book several years ago and it just didn't grab me either. It is definitely one of those books you need to be in the right frame of mind to appreciate.

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    2. That is good to know! Kind of a slow simmer...heeheehee!

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  16. This sounds really interesting. I wasn't too keen on the opening paragraph but like the description.

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    1. Emma - It's a very quiet book, but I'm enjoying it.

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  17. Ooh, JoAnn, it sounds perfect for a cozy sit on the couch in Autumn! Moody and atmospheric. Sometimes I read books like this, but you do need to be in the right mood. A good book club choice.

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    1. Rita - This book suits the weather and our dark late afternoons just perfectly. Can't wait to see what thereat of the group thinks of it.

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  18. It sounds intriguing -- I would keep reading. I believe my husband read this novel a few years ago and liked it. I hope you enjoy!

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    1. Susan - I really like it so far! Am already considering reading his other work.

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  19. The first paragraph is great. I hope you enjoy this.

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    1. Pat - I'm enjoying this more than I expected ... seems to fit my current mood and the weather perfectly!

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    1. Terra - Almost halfway now and enjoying it. Soon it will be time to go back to Trollope though ;-)

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