Book 10: Stoner by John Williams
There is fervour in the reviews and recommendations of Stoner; people seem to think it is a fantastic book. They don’t say much more than that. While I was reading it, I had forgotten its rave reviews until I reach smack dab in the middle of the novel. It struck me like an epiphany on why people say so.
The plot is deceptively simple – a farmer’s son goes to University in 1910 and ends up becoming a professor. However, it is this simple life narrated from a unique position makes it fresh and personal. They say you cannot outline life; you never know what might happen. But while reading about the life of William Stoner, a possible-farmer-turned-professor during the early 1900s in Missouri, you realise that there is an unexpected sameness to living, an arc that we all seem to largely follow. Those who don’t are considered outliers, but Stoner isn’t that outlier. His life is something we have probably seen happen around us all the time, and yet, the storyline continues to fascinate the reader.
As a treat, Stoner is utterly readable. John Williams’ narration makes for wonderful storytelling. It was enjoyable, captivating, and binge-worthy. I kept going back to it rather quickly. While it is not a book I would have picked out of a line up, the number of people recommending it on threads had me try it out. I am glad I did.
🌟 4/5
amarllyis 
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