Reviews

The Town by Conrad Richter

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Reading the 'Awakening Land' trilogy was a lesson in respect for me. When I began reading Richter's trilogy, I entered it with a level of skepticism. After all, the first installment was published eighty years ago; surely American literature has evolved to the point that a frontier novel from the forties and fifties would seem outmoded. But after reading the 'Awakening Land' trilogy, I realize that's like trying to argue that 'Moby Dick' is outdated simply because it is creeping up on 200 years of age. To be clear, I am not comparing this to Melville's masterpiece. As good as Richter's work is, it does not compare to the white whale. What I am saying, however, is that I am guilty of assumption. Assumption that a novel based on 18th century frontier life could never really be a special reading experience. An assumption that frontier life was a tired genre that had nothing left to offer the modern reader. Richter's work examines the balance between progress and the sanctity of not being caught up in the machine of said progress. Not only is it a timely read (it probably always will be), but it is also powerfully written with memorable characters.

I was impressed with 'The Trees'. 'The Fields' read like a stepping stone towards the final installment. 'The Town' is excellent in its own regard, but taken as a whole, this 'Awakening Land' trilogy is probably an American masterpiece. It also serves as a reminder that clever literary devices are not required to qualify for literary status. This is powerful writing on a simple canvas. And that style is so appropriate for the story that it tells.

mmullaney's review

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kirstenrose22's review

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3.0

Definitely my least favorite book of the trilogy. Like others, I really disliked Chancey (and Rosa too - though I thought they kind of deserved each other). More Sayward, less of everybody else!

The overall progression was fascinating though, and I did enjoy the commentary in this book about how younger generations have it easier than their predecessors, and how that fact changes their perspectives.

roseleaf24's review

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3.0

The Pulitzer was awarded to this book, the third and final book in a series, in recognition of the entire "Awakening Land" trilogy. I can appreciate that, but in posterity, it's unfortunate. I'm sure I'm not the only one who just reads this book, and, while aspects of the others interest me, I didn't like this one enough to track down the first two at this point. Maybe someday, though.

The trilogy focuses on Sayward Wheeler, who is a middle-aged woman at the beginning of this book, which follows her to her death. The point of view varies between her and her son Chance, who begins the book as a sickly four-year-old and ends it a whiny man. I really didn't like Chance and didn't have a great opinion of the author's use of Chancey's laziness to wax on about the pioneer spirit and the value of hard work. I did appreciate the contrast this provides to Sayward's strength of character. I also found the time period interesting, between the Revolutionary War and the Civil War, when Ohio was the frontier. The author also does an excellent job of showing how a parent's sins affect future generations. I enjoyed following this family and this town.

soniapage's review

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3.0

Although Richter won the Pulitzer for this third book of The Awakening Land trilogy, it was my least favorite. The Town seemed to revolve around Sayward's last child, Chancey, who seemed to have an obnoxious teenager's mentality/personality his entire life.

As in all the books, the action seems to move in spurts, sometimes giving great detail and then referring back to things that have happened off-stage (things I would have liked to hear more about) with no explanation.

I liked the way Sayward came to terms with "the trees" which she hated in the first book and ended up planting around her home in the last book because she missed them once they were all cut down.

greybeard49's review

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4.0

I really enjoyed the first 2 books of Richter's trilogy. The author is so good - he writes in the vernacular, a really difficult thing to do convincingly, and he does it amazingly well. The history of the early United States is skilfully rolled out through the actions and ups and downs of the people who populate the books.
'The Town' carries this off really well and gives the reader a real insight into the problems faced by those earlier settlers and the adjustments over their lifetimes they had to cope with. His main character, Sayward, the family matriarch, is a masterpiece in every way. It is on her shoulders that the the three books are carried.
My only scruple with 'The Town' is that centres around Chancey, Sayward's youngest. As a character he is not appealing - deeply selfish, always dissatisfied and pervasive and at the centre of nearly every chapter. I willed myself to be sympathetic but to no avail. He lessened the book for me and tainted the last section of the tale. A PITY.

the8thchild's review against another edition

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5.0

I received this trilogy from my parents as a birthday gift this year because I am named after the title character and so far is the only place I have been able to find this name. However, upon reading the books I understand why this named inspired my parents and how it touched them as well as myself. These are some of the best books I have read and I am really grateful to have received them.