After being blown away by „Butcher’s Crossing“, I decided to delve into „Stoner“, and I can confidently say it has become one of my all-time favorite books. John Williams crafts a story so beautifully poetic and profound that it left me in awe.

„William Stoner enters the University of Missouri at nineteen to study agriculture. A seminar on English literature changes his life, and he never returns to work on his father’s farm. Stoner becomes a teacher. He marries the wrong woman. His life is quiet, and after his death, his colleagues remember him rarely. Yet with truthfulness, compassion and intense power, this novel uncovers a story of universal value – of the conflicts, defeats and victories of the human race that pass unrecorded by history – and in doing so reclaims the significance of an individual life.“

Blurb

At first glance, not much seems to happen in the book. It‘s the story of an ordinary man living an unassuming life. But beneath this simplicity lies the extraordinary: the emotional journey of William Stoner, whose quiet resilience and yearning for meaning make him unforgettable. I cared deeply for him, desperately hoping he’d find the small victories he desired, though life had a different plan.

Williams explores the pain and struggles of Stoner’s life with heartbreaking clarity. Edith’s actions often infuriated me, yet I couldn’t fully see her as the villain. Similarly, the tragic distance between Stoner and Grace, as well as the brief, bittersweet love with Katherine, brought so much pain that it was almost unbearable to read. And then there’s Lomax. His unyielding stubbornness drove me to frustration, especially as Stoner simply tried to do what was right.

Despite the overwhelming sorrow, Stoner ultimately leaves room for hope. It’s a testament to human resilience, showing that even amid immense suffering, there’s dignity and beauty in persevering. This is a truly brilliant book that I’ll never forget.

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️