Books
by John Williams
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Butcher's Crossing |
Written some years before Stoner (bwl 71 & 72), this less mature but equally interesting work is set in the virgin territory of 1873 Kansas. The young protagonist, filled with Emersonian romanticism, finds himself on a buffalo hunt led by a figure as obsessive as Melville's Captain Ahab. The story, while it describes extraordinary physical courage and resourcefulness on one level, is an examination of the nature of desire. And for me, it is ultimately about hubris and defilement.
(Kate Hobson - bwl 79 Winter 2016) |
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Stoner |
Stoner is a beautifully written account of the hopes, disappointments and failures of one man's life. In John Williams' novel I found parallels with writers as diverse as Strindberg in Stoner's wretchedly unhappy marriage and C.P. Snow in the rivalry and jealousy among the fellows of the college in the University. But the sadness of Stoner's life is redeemed by his love of literature and by his teaching.
(Judith Peppitt - bwl 71 Winter 2014) |
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Stoner |
This is quite simply a wonderful novel. Written in spare, simple, brilliant prose it is the story about an academic at an American university. It is also universal in its tragic eloquence. Stoner is in his life an heroic, flawed man who fights the good fight. A must read.
(David Graham - bwl 72 Spring 2014) |
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