The Solace of Open Spaces

This short collection of essays reminds me of why I studied literature and creative writing in college. Too often we get lost in just reading novels and need to get back to basics. A finely tuned essay is poetry to the trained ear, and these are among the finest I have read.Yes, I must admit that I purchased this book after it was mentioned in an episode of Yellowstone, but you don't have to be a fan of the tv show to enjoy this.

I was introduced to Gretel Ehrlich by a good friend in the early 90's and was humbled by her prose. Nowhere before had I read such magnificent and insightful impressions. Her writing gave life to the subtle beauty of open sky and lent movement to the endless landscape. She painted in prose.My connection with her writing came from being raised in grasslands framed by mountains. I grew up outside, on horses and with antelopes too. I saw her descriptions as authentic and undiminished by cliché, the crutch of most interlopers, especially journalistic writers.So this is my point, Gretel Ehrlich somehow has the ability to see, feel and emote what I can’t; the experience of being a tiny creature who is only part of an enormous world where beauty is often subtle. Her descriptions of the life of clouds and the movement of wind, alone, make this book worth reading.Not many people have the circumspection to see themselves from the inside and outside at the same time. For many people, the wilderness is a simulacrum of what they project on it. For Ehrlich, it seems as though she truly allows herself to simply be a conduit for the experience.I’d recommend this book for anyone who has gone weeks without a radio or television. You’ll recognize the life she describes. For everyone else, it may be a hint of what ‘solace’ really is.Thanks for reading.

Solace of Open Spaces is a compilation of essays penned by Gretel Ehrlich that capture the reflecive and healing process she experienced while navigating the personal loss of a husband and the fulfillment of an assignment. I enjoyed the way she combines her observations, reflections and learning on two separate planes—the grandeur, beauty, and harshness of nature and the devasting emotional struggle of coming to terms with the loss of a loved one. Ms. Ehrlich’s skill with descriptive language pulls readers into these essays. I felt at times I was with her as she experiences the vast, isolated, and harsh environment as well as her interactions with the people she highlights. From each perspectives she allows readers to feel the tension and healing as they occur. So often human beings are so absorbed in their present and sometimes mundane existence that they become blind to the beauty around them. However, when coming face to face with the vastness and quietness of space they discover through self-reflection an appreciation of said natural beauty that allows the healing of one’s soul. This turned out to be an enjoyable and rewarding read.

The speed of delivery and condition were exactly as described. I’m so happy with my purchase. Already read it and loved every word.

Being born & raised in a Dairy Farm in Southeastern Wi I can relate to the solace found in open spaces. As well as the fragility that comes with the struggle to survive there as the changing season, weather & prices fight against you.The stories of the old timers, takes me back to being a young child listening to my great Aunts, Uncles & Grandparents tell of their childhood & struggles. I miss the & cherish those stories even more now.One thing always remains even today, those open spaces no matter how harsh & barren leave a mark on us & our souls. While also giving us a peace in those places that one will love, moss and yearn for for the rest of iur lives. As one who finds solace in these places always carries a piece of it with them no matter where they go.These Essays truly remind me of my days running, working & loving the opens spaces & brings their memories forward once again in my mind & heart. And that is the true beauty found after one leaves the open spaces.As once you find solace, you never lose that feeling. No matter where you go, its the lifelong gift those places give you.

had heard good things but so far disappointed

I cant believe a tv show and a adass TV character recommended this book. And I can't believe I followed up...Loved the descriptions of weather and landscape. Unique turns of phrase. Loved the direct honest observations of life herding sheep, ranching, cattle management, rodeos...and meeting all the people she has met and befriended. And lost. A lovely writer with perceptive observational skills... coping with grief and sorrow with hard work out on the range. Highly recommend.

My first images of Wyoming were formed as a boy, watching "The Virginian" on TV. It was a landscape of gently rolling hills and a mild climate where you could go around in shirtsleeves pretty much all the time. Well, of course, Wyoming bears no resemblance to a Southern California back lot, as I learned when I finally went there as an adult. The climate is not benign, and the land has a scale that can make you and your problems seem very small indeed.Gretel Ehrlich writes about the true Wyoming of vast, lonely spaces, and brutal, bone chilling winters. In her book, it is a place to lose oneself and then find redemption in the rhythm of life lived in a hard place. She writes about the people that live in this place and their relationships.She writes of lonliness and endurance, friendship and new beginnings.The highlight of the book, for me, is "The Rules of the Game", an appreciative essay on Rodeo. I've not read anything like it. Ms Ehrlich's description finds the beauty in this celebration of both individual skill and achievement, and the power and grace of teamwork. It's a lovely piece in a wonderful book.

It was probably coincidence but my three random book choices one after the other turned out to be a story about grief woven in with a story of a western landscape. The book was excellent and then I read this one which was equally good and satisfying. The writer is adept at narrating the scenes of life in a harsh and unforgiving landscape and how she comes to learn to live with it and survive physically and emotionally.

Beautifully descriptive writing - loved it & have recommended it to others.

Great stories and very well written.

This book should be in your top list of books to read.The author moved from a comfortable life style, following a personaltragedy, to life in the wilderness of America. Her account, her guts, her wonderful use of language, the people she met, and her perception make this a definite must. Don't let it escape.

This is one of my all-time favorite books. A sublime and poetic collection of impressions of Wyoming, its hermits, cowboys and different seasons.