Reviews

I haven't yet come across a novel that is so grounded. I would describe it as wonderfully mundane. Mundane because there are no crazy conflicts in the novel that are resolved by the end of the book. Wonderful because that is literally the meaning of life; you don't have to do anything remarkable to have lived well. Stoner's character is so sympathetic, but he's not positioned as a hero or a villain. He's just a man, like many others, that has both light and darkness inside him. This has to be the most satisfying representation of the everyman in twentieth century literature.

maryriii's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

The man may be unremarkable but the book sure is not.

maxbrzr's review against another edition

Go to review page

reflective relaxing

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

jessikaelinjohanna's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

gemmahaze1's review against another edition

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

narcochloe's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

Per fortuna che non ho abbandonato questo libro nonostante volessi farlo spesso all'inizio, probabilmente per il ritmo iniziale lentissimo. Poi però, senza accorgermene, mi sono affezionata a Stoner, forse proprio per la sua esistenza umile, da uomo comunissimo, che alla fine della sua vita si trova a farne il bilancio per poi uscirne insoddisfatto. Perché è umano, come tutti noi. E tante cose avrebbe potuto farle diversamente. Ho pianto verso le ultime pagine. Emozionante. Tanto.

More...