The Stations of Solitude

I totally disagree with the reader from Munich who was disgusted by Koller's deep commitment to her animals. In my opinion, it's the strongest element of her book. She's an extremely intelligent person who's bravely and totally dedicated to the rights and welfare of animals, as well as being able to relate to the natural world all around her. I picked up the book attracted by its title, because I'm a practitioner of solitude and serenity myself, but I was pleasantly surprised by her emphasis on the importance of animals and on respecting their integrity in her daily life. The story of Logos was heartbreaking. I could relate to that strongly, as the guardian of a number of dogs and cats. I believe that anyone who can feel so connected to our co-species is an extremely fortunate person. Sadly, too few people feel that connection, in our post-modern, over-busy world.

I'm was getting ready to list this book for sale and something about it--of over a thousand books I've listed--drew my attention. I am very glad I read it and will be looking for her other works to read. I won't bother describing the book since that has been done. I will say that this book speaks to the part of me that is sick of living in a city surrounded by people and feeling alone. The part of me that yearns to give up my material possessions and live a life free of grasping, looking for beauty and open space, wildlife and people willing to open up to a stranger. It touches the part of me that others do not understand, the introspective part that searches for itself, that questions, that lights up at the sound of bird song or thrills at the opening of a flower bud. As an animal lover I found her writing about her dogs exceptional, and I understood her need to understand her dog's death. I live with cats and when circumstance permit I will seek out a dog companion.I imagine you would have to be an introvert, someone who lives in and values their thoughts, to enjoy this book as opposed to an extrovert, a person needing the stimulation of others and outward activity. It stimulates the longing in me to leave my current life and search out another.

I have read both of Alice Koller's books and was blessed, after reading "Stations" to be able to write to her and receive a reply back. Both of us have deeply mourned the untimely death of a beloved pet and soulmate, and her few words of comfort brought me solice. Her first book set the course of my life and I will be eternally grateful. I don't know if Alice is still alive, but if she is I wish she would write another.

It's quite a shame that this book is out-of-print and not as readily available as Ms. Koller's other title, "An Unknown Woman". I've read "Stations of Solitude" several times, and am always amazed at this woman's perspective. She speaks candidly of her travails in the politics of ivy-league academia, her enduring attachments to her friends (both human and animal), her struggles with money, and her intimate relationships with men. Ms. Koller truly knows what it's like to be alone, and at times revels in this condition and at other times seems resigned and withdrawn. I would recommend this book to anyone who has experienced self-imposed solitude. It's difficult to live alone, and yet for some it is necessary. I've read both of her books several times over the last 10 years, and as I undergo my own journey, I find something new each time I turn to these books. Neither are light reading; Ms. Koller's words hit hard and always make me question exactly what I'm doing.

This is a book about a woman's serach for herself! She goes to live on an island off of Massachusetts in a brutal winter with her dog. It's an emotional journey on truly examining oneself and one's life choices. My best friend, my mother and I all loved this book & couldn't put it down. It's a must read!