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Andy Marr's Reviews > Stoner
Stoner
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This is quite possibly the saddest novel I've ever read. It's certainly one of the most beautiful.
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Quotes Andy Liked
“Sometimes, immersed in his books, there would come to him the awareness of all that he did not know, of all that he had not read; and the serenity for which he labored was shattered as he realized the little time he had in life to read so much, to learn what he had to know.”
― Stoner
― Stoner
Reading Progress
September 1, 2019
– Shelved
September 1, 2019
– Shelved as:
to-read
January 22, 2020
–
Started Reading
January 30, 2020
–
Finished Reading
November 30, 2020
– Shelved as:
favourites
Comments Showing 1-26 of 26 (26 new)
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Julie
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rated it 5 stars
Jan 30, 2020 02:38PM
It's a five star love affair for me.
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For a while it was a neglected novel in the American literary canon of the 20th century
I've never forgotten this book. It's not an easy read, but it is a compelling read.
I loved this book. Tied with To Kill a Mockingbird as my favorite novel.
I got a copy of this book some months ago, Andy, and I'm looking forward to reading it ...
Julie wrote: "It's a five star love affair for me."Hi Julie. Your glowing review of Stoner was one of the reasons I re-added it to my to-read list. I'm so glad I did!
JimZ wrote: "For a while it was a neglected novel in the American literary canon of the 20th century"I'd heard this, Jim. I find it such a shame that Williams failed to gain the recognition he deserved during his lifetime.But how lucky for modern readers that the novel was rediscovered!
Kathy wrote: "I've never forgotten this book. It's not an easy read, but it is a compelling read."Absolutely, Karen. I will never forget this novel, in the same way that I will never forget 'Butcher's Crossing', which I read a few years ago. Williams was such an incredible writer.
Diane wrote: "I loved this book. Tied with To Kill a Mockingbird as my favorite novel."It's definitely in my top ten, Diane, along with TKAM, Lonesome Dove and a few other 20th century American classics.
Beata wrote: "I got a copy of this book some months ago, Andy, and I'm looking forward to reading it ..."It's incredible, Beata. I'd heard it described as 'the perfect novel', but I didn't fully appreciate what that really meant until I read the book for myself. The ending is one of the most breathtaking I've ever read. It literally took my breath away.
Yes! Glad you thought so. What a read it is.
Matthew wrote: "Yes! Glad you thought so. What a read it is."Absolutely! Have you read 'Butcher's Crossing', Matthew? It's an entirely different novel, but I think I loved it almost as much as this one.
Andy wrote: "Matthew wrote: "Yes! Glad you thought so. What a read it is."Absolutely! Have you read 'Butcher's Crossing', Matthew? It's an entirely different novel, but I think I loved it almost as much as th..."
I have not, but as I consider Stoner a truly perfect work of fiction, I am eager to read more Williams. You give me high hopes.
I too vouch for Butcher’s Crossing. It is without question one of the greatest westerns ever written.
Short but poignant review Andy. I do want to read this book that so many members love so much.
Andy, I love your review and I loved this beautiful and quiet novel. But I agree that it was sad. However, I feel that there is a glimmer of hope pulsing through these pages.
I’ve seen similar sentiments from other readers. If I ever need to be made miserable I’ll know which book to turn to!
Lorna wrote: "Andy, I love your review and I loved this beautiful and quiet novel. But I agree that it was sad. However, I feel that there is a glimmer of hope pulsing through these pages."Lorna, you're absolutely right. I hardly realised it at the time, but looking back, this was a quietly beautiful novel. The thing that stays with me most - apart from the incredible ending - is the relationship between Stoner and his wife. Williams could easily have drawn Edith as a monster, but instead he created a very human character, and a beautiful, if complex, relationship, between the couple.
Haha, I love your comment, Pat! But as Lorna says above, this is not a miserable book. Stoner leads a quiet and occasionally lonely life, but there are moments of intense beauty and glimmers of hope throughout the story. The ending had me in tears, but it was the beauty of the writing more than anything else which made me cry :D
Andy wrote: "Haha, I love your comment, Pat! But as Lorna says above, this is not a miserable book. Stoner leads a quiet and occasionally lonely life, but there are moments of intense beauty and glimmers of hop..."I love it when a book drags strong emotions out of me. One books springs to mind for me - Devotion by Hannah Kent. If you ever get the chance to read it, it may make you cry too! Although very sad, it is also uplifting.
The mood reminds me of Jude the Obscure.
It is indeed a beautiful book which I love. I appreciate your review, succinct and to the point.
I've had this on my TBR for quite awhile but prefer uplifting themes to sadness though I'm sure his narrative is engaging
That is a real compliment to the writer of this book.
