Your greatest literary discovery of 09

[DB Cooper]

One of my literary "discoveries" of the year that I overlooked is John Williams. I really enjoyed Stoner (No its not about marijuana).

[Stevie B]

Although I read Stoner a few years ago, the story and characters remain vivid in my mind. Stoner reminded me a bit of Revolutionary Road in its melancholy tone and its spot-on treatment of failing relationships. I only wish John Williams wrote more novels. By the way, DB, did you know Williams used to live in your neck of the woods? I used to teach ESL at the U. of Arkansas in Fayetteville - which is where Williams taught late in his career. I recall a used bookstore in town selling signed copies of his books, but I didn't know anything about the author at the time and never bought a single one.

[Igu Soni]

Originally Posted by DB Cooper

One of my literary "discoveries" of the year that I overlooked is John Williams. I really enjoyed Stoner (No its not about marijuana).

So, what's with the name then?

[Stevie B]

Originally Posted by Igu Soni

So, what's with the name then?

The main character of the novel is William Stoner, a working class college student who changes his major from agriculture to English and who goes on to become a literature professor. The book was written in 1965, but is in print and published by NYRB with an introduction by John McGahern.

"John Williams's Stoner is something rarer than a great novel - it is a perfect novel, so well told and beautifully written, so deeply moving, that it takes your breath away." --The New York Times Book Review

[Igu Soni]

Originally Posted by Stevie B

The main character of the novel is William Stoner,

If it was written in 1965, he should have known better than to call the main character 'Stoner'. There are thousands more names available, right?

[DB Cooper]

Originally Posted by Stevie B

Although I read Stoner a few years ago, the story and characters remain vivid in my mind. Stoner reminded me a bit of Revolutionary Road in its melancholy tone and its spot-on treatment of failing relationships. I only wish John Williams wrote more novels. By the way, DB, did you know Williams used to live in your neck of the woods? I used to teach ESL at the U. of Arkansas in Fayetteville - which is where Williams taught late in his career. I recall a used bookstore in town selling signed copies of his books, but I didn't know anything about the author at the time and never bought a single one.

I was vaguely familiar with Williams but for whatever reason I didnt pick up on his work until this year. From what Ive read his other two novels are on par quality wise with Stoner, which is encouraging.