Where You Once Belonged

This is a book that I read in one sitting. It is relatively short, and the pacing is rapid. It is told through the eyes of the town newspaper editor, Pat Arbuckle, whose life is intertwined in various ways with the town rogue, Jack Burdette. Jack is the lovable rogue who causes havoc in the lives of an entire town, but especially in Wanda Jo who loves him, Jessie who marries him, and Pat who loves Jessie. Not to mention the people he stole from. The ending is abrupt and the only one that is plausible. This story doesn't need a storybook ending and we don't get it. Haruf is a masterful writer who can depict his characters with only a few words--a way of speaking, a gesture, even omissions. He knows his territory and people. We can only hope that he makes Holt, Colorado, into the basis for a saga.

I really like Kent Haruf's novels. I am familiar with three of them, this being the second in order of production. It is better than "The Tie That Binds," which was written 6 years earlier. ("Plainsong" [1999] is his best.) This one, like all his books, is set on the High Plains of eastern Colorado, and is about a wife who makes good after her rotten husband skips town after stealing $150,000. He returns 8 years later and attempts to kidnap her and their kids. Haruf writes in a very simple style, which is extremely effective. He has a way of writing that captivates you right from the start, and once you've latched on to his stories you can't let go.

This is the final Haruf book I had to read to complete the three he has in print. You will get a wide range of opinions when reading these reviews, but for me, this would be the second place book - behind 'Plainsong', but ahead of 'The Tie That Binds' - in his catalogue.Certainly you are aware of the main plot: gifted kid (at least athletically) has people's respect, marries quickly, leaves town suddenly with money from the farmer's co-op grain elevator, and makes a sudden, while not welcome, appearance eight years later once the statute of limitations on his crime has run out. Some of the characters from Haruf's 'The Tie That Binds' make their appearence again in this story. Sheriff Bud Sealy, Tom Crossman, and Bobby Williams all appear here, but only Sealy's character status really rises above minor. As with Haruf's other books, character development is present, but spare at the same time. The story is told with a rural, detached, but not aloof, feel - something born in the people living on the High Plains. It just 'feels' natural.As for the ending...it's sudden. I can honestly say I didn't see the book ending the way it did. But do I like it? I kinda think I do. I only finished the story a couple of hours ago, so I might need to ponder it more, but it isn't the nice, clean ending one might expect. The curious person in me wants a sequel to tidy things up - is Jessie ever found? Does she stay with Pat? What is the effect on the boys? What happens to Jack?, etc. But I think I like not knowing. It's not the conventional way, but I respect Haruf for not giving in to the reader's need to have a tidy ending.That said, if I were recommending Haruf's books to friends, I'd have them start with 'Plainsong.' If they don't like that, chances are they won't appreciate his other works in my opinion. As for me, Haruf's in a very short list of authors from whom I'd buy anything. In fact, if he were to publish the Holt Co. phone book I'd probably buy a copy or two... Yup, I think I would.

I was so hooked by PLAINSONG, that I went out the next day and bought WHERE YOU ONCE BELONGED. Again, I found myself captivated and, in this case, frightened by the menace of one of the characters. It's beautifully written and haunted by another set of young brothers. I loved it--so much that I want a sequel. After you read the book, you'll understand why.

Now that Kent Haruf is finally receiving some long overdue attention for his current (excellent) novel "Plainsong" perhaps the publishers will see fit to re-issue this, his wonderful second book. It is written in the same low-key style as "Plainsong", with the same warm attention to detail, but builds to one of the most devastating, heart-rending conclusions in all of literature. I will give away no more. Not only is this book out of print but, incredibly, it was never issued in paperback! Just read it and don't put it down until the last page.