The Lone Pilgrim

by Laurie Colwin

Book Overview

A dazzling collection of stories that masterfully weaves together tales of love and desire in all its forms, exploring the universal complications of the heart--and the mysteries of being fully human... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060958936
• ISBN13: 9780060958930
• Release Date: January 2001
• Publisher: Harper Perennial
• Length: 224 Pages
• Weight: 0.45 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.3" x 8.1"

Customer Reviews

Simply amazing

I have no idea how I missed this wonderful collection of stories by an author whom I adore. In fact, I missed all three of her books of stories. The other two are on their way to me in the mail. I am sure I will devour them just as I devoured this one! Colwin takes ordinary people and turns their stories into such interesting pieces. Her stories are all complete, and left me satisfied, the mark of a great short story writer. I just cannot believe how much I loved every word in this book.

I just discovered her...

I just discovered Lori Colwin and what a delight! I was so sad to hear that she had passed away in 1992. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Lone Pilgrim". Ms. Colwin has a wonderful way with words and creates characters that are so real and recognizable, filled with flaws and foibles that make them charmingly (and sometimes maddeningly) human. 'I've rarely read a modern short story writer who has such an ability to turn a phrase. Her stories seem to be taken straight from life and yet she enhances life in such a way that one can laugh at it while feeling its poignancy. I can't wait to read all of her work.

This wonderful book is a brilliantly faceted jewel...

I do not know why I waited so long to read Laurie Colwin's fiction. This was wonderful! You will see brilliant flashes of observation and insight, humor, and wisdom-- along with characters that are a lot like the most interesting people you know, crossing each other's paths for good and ill. It is difficult to write short stories that are this concentrated and perfect. If you're a Danielle Steel groupie, this is not for you-- Laurie Colwin was intelligent, subtle, and brilliant.

Real people

This book was recommended to me by the proprietress of a doomed bookstore which sold only "quality" books, and Colwin was one of her favorites. The stories are gems - as the other reviewers have said, the characters are people you know (only a little more charming and witty). I believe Colwin was one of the only really great short story writers who believed in happy endings. Note: if you already like Laurie Colwin, don't miss Lee Smith. Even though Colwin was a Philadelphian who moved to NY and Lee Smith's work is of and about the South, they both manage to be charming, funny and meaningful at the same time - no easy feat.

An incredible and poignant collection of short stories.

The Lone Pilgrim, by Laurie Colwin, is filled with stories certain to enthrall any reader who is interested in human emotions, as well as those struggles people go through to change their lives in small but significant ways. Colwin's gift of expression enabled her to pinpoint the tidal waves of emotion in ordinary lifestyles in an intensely personal manner. Any person interested in glimpsing fragments of their own lives should read this collection of struggles and triumphs.