Stoner - John Williams

Stoner is deemed 'the best novel you've never read', and admittedly it has been a book I've put off buying for years. Finally, I took the plunge and picked it up during the half term. Hilariously, the man in Waterstones was super enthusiastic about what a great novel about drugs this is, and how it really immerses you in the life of an addict. This book has not got a single thing to do with drugs, so I'm assuming he read the novel's title and guessed. Nice try though! 

This novel is the life story of William Stoner, born in the late-nineteenth century to a poor family in rural Missouri. He works on his parents' farm and is expected to eventually take over ownership of the land when he is of age, but his parents wish him to study agriculture at university before he inherits. Soon after beginning his university study, he changes his course to English Literature - his true passion. This decision determines his life ahead as he forges a new path which veers away from his parents' wishes. The scholarly life he has chosen leads to his career in academia, a hasty marriage and his estrangement from his family.

This is an expansive novel which is extremely moving, and ambitious in its scope despite its quiet simplicity. It illustrates the power of opportunity and taking a chance - on love, in your career, and on yourself. William Stoner's somewhat average life is portrayed with immense beauty and feeling, and you become very attached to Williams' protagonist and the trials and tribulations he endures.

I don't want to give too much of the plot away as I believe it beautifully unfolds, and I'm glad I went into the novel knowing very little. What is the real treat here is the evocative language and intricate character portrayal. You could almost believe that the characters are based on real people, they have so much depth and complexity. This is quite simply a gorgeous book!