Date of Birth: February 24, 1943
Zodiac Sign: Pisces
Date of Death: November 30, 2014
Biography
Kent Haruf was an American novelist known for his rich, understated depiction of small-town life in the American West. Born in Pueblo, Colorado, Haruf spent much of his life in the state, and his experiences there deeply influenced his writing. He is best known for his Plainsong series, which includes “Plainsong” (1999), “Eventide” (2004), and “Benediction” (2013). These novels are set in the fictional town of Holt, Colorado, and feature interwoven narratives that explore themes of community, isolation, and redemption. Haruf’s writing is often praised for its spare, elegant prose and its deep empathy for his characters. His novels have received numerous accolades, including a National Book Award nomination for “Plainsong.” Haruf’s work has also been adapted into stage plays and a television film, further cementing his impact on American literature.
5 Interesting Facts about Kent Haruf
1. Kent Haruf wrote all his novels on a manual typewriter.
2. He served in the Peace Corps in Turkey before pursuing a career in writing.
3. “Plainsong” was named a finalist for the National Book Award.
4. Haruf’s last novel, “Our Souls at Night,” was published posthumously in 2015.
5. He was a professor at Southern Illinois University and later at the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kent Haruf
1. “Life is a series of pulls back and forth. You want to do one thing, but you are bound to do something else.”
2. “The essence of human life is to care for someone else.”
3. “We’re all broken, but that’s how the light gets in.”
4. “There’s still a lot of life in the old town yet.”
5. “We are all more than the worst thing we’ve ever done.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Kent Haruf’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million.
Children
Kent Haruf had three daughters: Robin, Sorel, and Whitney.
Relevant Links
1. [Kent Haruf’s Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_Haruf
2. [National Book Foundation: Kent Haruf](https://www.nationalbook.org/people/kent-haruf/
3. [The Guardian Obituary](https://www.theguardian.com/books/2014/dec/02/kent-haruf
5. [Goodreads: Kent Haruf Quotes](https://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/15372.Kent_Haruf
