Fidelity: Five Stories (11)

Title: Fidelity: Five Stories
Author: Wendell Berry
Genre: Fiction

I read this book aloud to B. There's a reason so many people, when asked who their favorite Kentucky author is, say Wendell Berry. The stories in this collection are almost breathtakingly beautiful in their efficient but eloquent prose, reserved yet emotion filled, action packed and yet bordering on being described as stories where nothing much happens. Berry is brilliant.

The act of reading aloud to your partner is immensely satisfying. We would sit or lie together and take in the stories. Occasionally we'd both giggle or gasp and when a story was completed we'd discuss it in detail. It's a wonderful experience to have a piece of fiction be equally as fresh in both person's mind when you discuss it.

I know that inevitably a plain, simple, direct book like this will not be to everyone's taste but truthfully I cannot imagine anyone reading this book and not enjoying it. I know the reality is that everyone cannot enjoy the same book but honestly I can't wrap my mind around reading this book and not enjoying it immensely.