All the Little Live Things

In All the Little Live Things, Joe Allston's life unfolds against the backdrop of the 1960s, exploring themes of grief and societal chaos.

The novel All the Little Live Things delves into the life of Joe Allston, a retired literary agent grappling with profound grief and the upheaval of the 1960s. After the tragic loss of their son, Joe and his wife, Ruth, retreat to a seemingly idyllic California home, seeking solace in a new environment. However, this sanctuary is fraught with challenges as they encounter a cast of intriguing and unsettling characters. The narrative explores the complexities of human relationships and the impact of external chaos on personal lives.

As the couple navigates their new surroundings, they meet Jim Peck, a charismatic figure who embodies the era's counterculture with his radical beliefs in drugs, yoga, and free love. Alongside him is Marian Catlin, a captivating young woman whose innocence and allure draw Joe into a web of temptation and danger. The interactions between these characters reveal the underlying tensions of the time and the struggle for meaning amid societal upheaval.

All the Little Live Things is not only a poignant exploration of loss and healing but also a reflection on the turbulent 1960s. Stegner's masterful storytelling captures the essence of an era while probing the depths of human emotion, making it a timeless read that resonates with anyone seeking understanding in a chaotic world.