Simon's Night

by Jon Hassler

Book Overview

"A marvel. Out of Old Age, which our peculiar times have determined to view as a sort of generational sin, Jon Hassler has drawn forth a poignant, funny, wise novel about Eternal Youth." THE CLEVELAND... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Mass Market Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0345333748
• ISBN13: 9780345333742
• Release Date: November 1986
• Publisher: Ballantine Books
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 4.2" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

this is a great writer.

my first jon hassler read, simon's night is a great piece of fiction. a novel that caused me to buy everything i could find with this author's name on it. no pretension here, no postmodern posturing, just a wonderful old-fashion novel with interesting real-life characters brought vividly forth by a master. mr hassler should be as famous as anne tyler or john updike, he creates a complete fictional world that is a treat to look into. my highest recommendations.

Finally, a novel about an older man which is realistic!

Simon Shea, a retired college professor used to living a rather solitary life, becomes frightened after he has a few episodes of forgetfulness, the worst one causing an overheated pan to set his kitchen on fire. Shaken and feeling suddenly old, he decides he needs to commit himself to a rest home. In short, he no longer feels competent to live the independent life he's relished for so long and fears he is losing his mind. This is, of course, a BIG mistake for Simon has plenty of vim and energy left and his mind is just fine. Luckily, he has a perceptive young doctor who sees his potential even when Simon's spirits falter and a visit from his wife (who Simon hasn't seen in years) also helps to set things straight. But before that happens, Simon has to confront his own demons, revisit his memories of teaching, marriage and...finally...re-examine his religious beliefs and come to terms with how they've shaped his life. But this book is far, far more than I can describe here. Simon Shea is a complex, enigmatic character, nothing like the stereotypes of the elderly that fill too many books these days. It was a joy to get to know him and by the end of this novel, I felt I wanted to see waht happened to Simon. Wonder if there is a sequel to this one out there?

Simply the best

Jon Hassler is simply the best writer in American literature today period. It is amazing that more people have not read Hassler. Each of his books are poignant and charming. He writes in the style of the giants of yesteryear.

an insightful perspective on aging

John Hassler's, Simon's Night, is an incredible novel that creatively portrays issues surrounding the experience of aging. Hassler achieves this by personalizing the experience in his character, Simon Shea, a retired English professor. The novel explores Shea's mental process while he is struggling to be responsible about his decision to give up independent care and place himself in the care of a nursing home. Hassler successfully depicts the challenges many elderly people face through Simon's experiences and witty commentary on maintaining dignity, handling fear, reconciling past experiences, and living in relation to a culture which glorifies youth. For such an important and potentially depressing topic, this novel was a pleasure to read. The well developed characters were intriguing, often funny, and I found myself emotionally attached to them. This attachment gave the wisdom of Hassler's insights the strength of emotional connection.

Simon is a delightful person with great insight.

I read Dear James by Jon Hassler and, as is my usual practice, I went in search of other books by him. I must say that Simon's Night was a great delight. I am now reading it aloud to my husband who is enjoying it as much as I did. A nursing home or rather an old folks home is all right if one has no mind left. But for the mentally alert person it is a living death. As one who is just entering retirement, I feel a long way from decrepit and ready to be cared for by anyone other than myself. I will recommend this book to anyone who is a serious reader of fiction and a student of human behavior.