Crossing to Safety

My favorite Stegner Novel so far

This is my favorite Stegner novel. I was tempted to say it's my favorite by far, but that's not true. I love most of his work. This is likely the easiest book to recommend to newcomers.

It contains a classic Stegner style, especially with flashbacks and memories. However, it is never confusing, and doesn't disrupt the flow of this book like I thought it did with some of his other ones. It reads easy, yet it has surprising depth and I found myself learning a lot about the culture at the time due to his little anecdotes (I didn't know Russians ate jam straight from the jar). As such he almost reminds me of a poet... he writes things that could be read and appreciated without thinking deeply, yet he is very rewarding to read if you either understand his references or take time to investigate the little details he conveys in his storytelling.

I still think Stegner is for older folks who've experienced life a bit and have much to glean from both his and one's own experience. Reading him is such a life experience... might be my favorite author to read... I certainly have great memories from reading his books. Angle of Repose is a book I've read twice and can't see myself reading again. Big Rock Candy Mountain I've read once and will definitely read again. This book... I see myself reading again a few times over.