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You are here: Home / Uncategorized / Henry, Himself by Stewart O’nan

Henry, Himself by Stewart O’nan

May 18, 2023 by Site Author

Published 2019

I am glad to discover this writer of such a quiet little story, about the Maxwell family of Pittsburgh. Henry was named for his mother’s brother who was killed in the war before Henry was born. the name therefore seems in a way used to him and he would’ve preferred to be called Hank. But Henry he is and will be it seems.

Henry is retired now, and he and his wife Emily joke about when he is gone and she left by herself except for their dog, Rufus. Having read it I wonder who is going to do all of the little things around the house, not to mention the old cabin at Chataqua, when he is gone. Who will wash the dishes, a chore that Henry prides himself on every evening. Various ailments come and go, a fall becomes potentially dangerous, the kids and grandkids provide drama in their settled lives. Where to go for dinner is a bigger decision than you might think at this stage of life.

I loved how the little things have become the central focus which is described so clearly I felt I was part of the clan. Now I look forward to reading more of these novels and seeing what is happening with the family.

Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: aging, retirement

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