It is impossible to say why when I put so many books aside so quickly, yet stuck with this one--probably one of the saddest books I've ever read. But the sadness did not come from any earth-shaking events, not from evil deeds, or war or famine. But from the more prosaic nature of everyday life for a man who is helpless to do more than put one foot in front the other.
Finding his place in the world as a teacher both saved and ruined Stoner. Fate must do what it will to him because he will not risk the loss of his profession to save himself. You often see such focus on task with artists or ministers, but with teachers it is rare.
A poor farmboy, Stoner goes to the University in Columbia, Missouri and never leaves. First, a student, then a graduate student and finally a professor, this is his home for life.
And this gift he is given: to teach, paralyzes his ability to alter his horrible marriage, rectify his poor treatment by his colleagues, or save the fate of his daughter. Or hold on to love that finally presents itself. He simply pushes whatever comes aside and goes into his classroom to teach.
Because every word is perfect, because every sentiment rings true, because every action emanates so convincingly from his inner being, you are helpless not to follow Stoner to his end.
Stoner is reissued from its 1965 publication and takes place in the first half of the century.
What book meant this much to you?
7 comments:
I read STONER a year or so ago and had a similar reaction to yours, Patti. Just a brilliant book. Charles Portis' TRUE GRIT has some of that same sadness.
"Because every word is perfect, because every sentiment rings true, because every action emanates so convincingly from his inner being, you are helpless not to follow Stoner to his end."
What a strong recommendation. A book that made such a lasting impression on me? Shakespeare, perhaps, or the bible.
The short story BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN struck me this way when I read it years ago in The New Yorker.
Just read TRUE GRIT-wonderful and have another book of his on hold at the library.
God, Annie Proulx is amazing, Ron.
Dorte, I am not going to hold it up to those standards, but it was so true to its ideas.
Are you bending your "I only read one book by an author" Rule with Charles Portis, Patti?
When I was midway through it, someone told me that his Dogs of the South was really a better book so I'm giving it a look. TRUE GRIT was such a fast read, it hardly counts.
Interestingly, Stoner's author was born and raised in Clarksville in Northeast Texas, the same small town that produced William Humphrey, author of the critically acclaimed "Home From The Hill" and "The Ordways." They were born only two years apart. For anyone interested, I have a short article on Humphrey here:
http://obscuredestinies.blogspot.com/2009/04/destroyer-of-myths.html
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