Crossing to Safety
Stegner, WallaceThis book has established itself as one of the greatest and most cherished American novels of the 20th century. Tracing the lives, loves, and aspirations of two couples who move between Vermont and Wisconsin, it is a work of quiet majesty, deep compassion and powerful insight into the alchemy of friendship and marriage. [Taken from book cover.]
Comments from Groups
All members really enjoyed the book. We felt the story was a great portrait of relationships. Such style! A pleasure to read. Wellington 036A 50/50 split between who enjoyed/didn't enjoy this book. Some found it somewhat descriptive and that the author seems to make assumptions that the reader is familiar with he setting. Auckland 100We all loved this book even though most didn't expect to! A lovely discussion about friendship. Queenstown 005Excellent book and all thoroughly enjoyed the story. Dannevirke 001Enjoyed the book-though it was one in which the depths only became apparent during the discussion. Wellington 079An interesting investigation of relationships. Most members wanted to know more [about] Larry and Sally's relationship and how they coped. All in all, a very readable and, at times, provoking book. Ohope 001We all enjoyed this book very much. Excellent writing style, well drawn characters. Would recommend this author to other readers. Much discussion on the character of Charity - and the way she wanted to control people. The author has great insight into human behaviour. Christchurch 116We loved Wallace Stegner's writing. All found the book theme very interesting and the character of Charity unlikeable. Great discussion - the time setting of the book challenged some perceptions of that period. Fully recommend to any group enjoying great writing. Rotorua 002A fabulous story, poetically and sensitively written. Wonderful descriptions of New England. Taupo 004
Pages
327
327
Year
1987
1987
Reviews
01-11-2023
Interesting characters. Remarkable friendship.
17-04-2023
Most of the group enjoyed this book. Some liked it very much and read it twice. It was described by a member as "a very fine read".
12-01-2023
We loved this book, thank you. Wonderful character definition, real life.
13-10-2022
One of the highest rated books. We all loved it. Wonderful use of language. Had a great discussion.
18-07-2022
We loved the writing!
02-03-2022
The group was fairly united in their opinion of this book. We thought the writing was excellent and that there were many fine descriptive passages. However most of us didn't find the characters relatable. It was an interesting discussion though, as always!
28-05-2021
Not one of our favourite books. Many found it slow going and overly descriptive. Interesting mix of personalities in the main characters who formed a surprisingly strong and enduring friendship. Generated lively discussion.
27-05-2020
Of all the people that started it only two finished it. Those two enjoyed it but the rest of us found it dreary, over descriptive and boring.
27-09-2018
We all enjoyed this immensely - several thought it was our best book club read. One thought it the best novel she's read - and she's read hundreds.
27-09-2018
We thought this was a beautifully written novel of the development of a relationship between 2 couples. The background of the beautiful scenery of the Vermont setting, is itself a kind of character providing a nurturing setting for the relationship and shared experiences of Sid, Charity, Larry and Sally. We found that Charity's overbearing insistence on having her own way made her off-putting, and most of us grew more and more out of sympathy with her, while grudgingly admitting that Sid may probably have needed someone of her personality. A good read.
27-09-2018
Some found the first part verbose and slow going, but then enjoyed the remainder thoroughly. We enjoyed reading a story about normal people living life with friends, and sharing the challenges and rewards of their personal journeys.
27-09-2018
We all loved it. Great writing style and great characters. A fascinating insight into the US academic world, and the life of the wealthy old families of the times. Very witty. Will now book the rest of his books out of the library system.
26-09-2018
Our group enjoyed this book about relationships, and several also enjoyed the language in the book. While not an 'action' book, and a little difficult to get into the story, it was well worth the read.
26-09-2018
Most popular book so far!
21-05-2018
Those of us that read it loved it. But the cover and the slow start turned some members off - don't judge the book by the cover. We thought his descriptions of people and place were lovely, they really drew us in.