And while the words that go unspoken between them give the reader an indication of what each character might be thinking, Haruf is careful to respect their privacy.Īs with all fiction, there is bound to be a degree of conflict sprinkled into the story. What results in the narrative is a genuine politeness and consideration between the two characters. Although the dialog here is rather sparse, Haruf uses this experience as an apt opportunity to convey what happens from the point of view of both Addie and Louis. Then comes the moment when the author dispels all doubt and allows the couple to indulge in sexual intercourse with each other. To add to the tension between them, Haruf allows the couple to spend nights apart and creates a palpable flirtatious interaction between the two. The author does not answer this question definitively, allowing the reader to come to his own conclusion. Most think the couple is already having sex. Yet, rumors among the townspeople continue to flourish. The author depicts scenes of Louis looking after the child in various settings such as town parades, trips to the country, and cookouts. Louis is taken immediately with the young boy and proves more than capable of tending to him, going so far as to purchase a dog for him at a local pound. The boy is sent to spend time with Addie while his parents deal with a separation. The first presents itself in the form of Addie’s six-year-old grandson. Their decision, however, is not without complications. They each find comfort in having someone with whom they can share their experiences. They tell each other about their past lives, including the death of a child and a serious affair. Colocating in the same bed each night gives the couple an opportunity to share their feelings. Louis’ daughter expresses her trepidation, but her feelings do not dissuade the couple from continuing. The couple eventually discovers they are the subject of town gossip. Their arrangement, however, does not go unnoticed. The author positions the reader as a fly on the wall, witnessing the couple pass through the phases of awkwardness, intimacy, and friendship. The two are not that well acquainted with each other, however, Addie decides to ask for the somewhat unorthodox arrangement.
Our Souls at Night, Kent Haruf’s last novel before his death, is the story of two individuals, Addie More and Louis Waters, who begin sleeping together platonically for the benefit of each other’s shared company.
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