Sometimes I
pick up an unknown book in the bookstore because I think I might like it. That
idea is based on the title, the cover or the description at the back. Sometimes
I am disappointed, but more often I am thrilled to have discovered a beautiful
book and a new author I like.
This was
also the case with Crossing to safety
by Wallace Stegner. I must admit I
never heard of him, although he published many novels that won prizes and is
considered to be one of the best American authors.
Crossing to safety is the story of two couples who meet eachother
in 1937.
The book
begins in 1972, when Larry and Sally Morgan visit Sid and Charity Lang in their
summer home in Vermont and Larry reminisces their friendship.
Larry and
Sally became friends with Sid and Charity in Madison, Wisconsin, where Larry
was appointed as a teacher at the same small university where Sid worked. The
Great Depression was hardly over and since Larry and Sally had no money of
their own, they were fortunate to have this temporary job.
Sid and
Charity had a different background, he was from a wealthy industrial family, she
came from old money in New England. Despite these differences there is an
instant connection and friendship grows between Sid and Larry and Charity and
Sally. That both expect their babies to be born around the same date also
helps.
Very
beautifully Wallace Stegner
describes the friendship and the dynamics between four people in two marriages.
Charity is
a domineering personality. She knows what is right for everybody and makes sure
everybody does as she sees fit. Sid would rather just write poems and sit
quietly, but Charity has other plans for him.
The
relationship between Larry and Sally seems more equal, but they will have to
adapt to what happens to them and the changes they face.
It would be
easy to dislike Charity, if she was not also a terribly kind and generous
person. Still, it becomes very clear how stifling dominating and well-meaning
love can be, although Sid does not seem to mind to be stifled.
It is the
human relationships that are important in this novel. Wallace Stegner manages
to make a situation clear in just a few words or one or two scenes.
A
comparison with John Williams can be made here, I think. It is a similar way of
writing. Not with many explanations or a lot of drama, instead you have normal
scenes and moments from life, written in a clear and precise manner that keeps
you captivated until the last sentence.
Very
beautiful.
Originally
published in 1987
I just finished Stoner and thought of Wallace Stegner's Crossing to Safety. Your blog popped up when I Googled Stegner and Williams. Stegner is one my favorite authors, but I must admit that Williams' Stoner is at least as good CTS. It is even more impressive given when and where it was written. Stegner had the resources of Stanford's Creative Writing program. On second thought that might have diverted his attention from his own work (I believe he said as much.). Nonetheless, Williams is an under appreciated gem. Looking forward to Butcher's Crossing.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your reply, I appreciate that.
DeleteI loved both Stoner as Crossing to safety, and Butcher's crossing was also very good, although I personally loved Augustus by John Williams better. I am looking forward to reading another book by Stegner!
Kind regards,