Brilliantly written.

I wonder why this gem is not more well known. Like Jane Austen, Williams brilliantly creates the tension and drama of an ordinary life.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Nothing much happens, but absolutely gripping

Really well read by Alfred Molina. The story of a man and his ultimately inconsequential life and death. I bought it on a whim and am so glad I did.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

Superb in every way

Performed with exemplary skill by Al Molina (just the best!), John William’s writing has been the best discovery I’ve made for years. Stoner is a masterclass of characterisation, the opening chapters crafted with sparkling prose and skill and giving way to a character led plot which is subtle yet compelling. I found myself caring deeply about William Stoner and his fate as every other character bar one seems to collude against him and set obstacles in his path. Stoner as a character, along with Lomax, Walker and Edith, are fully believable yet unpredictable and will push and pull at you all the way through this poignant tale. I can’t wait to read more of Williams’s work. I wish I’d discovered him thirty years ago as Stoner will be a book I read many times.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

One of the best surprises

Didn't really think this book was "my thing" when I got it and postponed reading it for a few weeks. However, once started, it was impossible to put down. A true classic about relationships and life's (unavoidable?) disappointments. Loved every minute of the excellent narration. Loved and hated the characters as the book progressed and was at times quite frustrated with etiquette of the time. Although the book was so well crafted that the end was inevitable, I was quite bereft when it ended. It worked very well with an English narration for the descriptive parts and with American narration for the dialogue.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Excellent narration

I will not replicate the deserved praise for William's book here. I want merely to commend Alfred Molina's narration. I have come to distrust actors' narrations of audiobooks due to their tendency to (over)act rather than narrate. Whilst he faithfully delivers the dialogue in character and with the necessary drama, Molina gives a sober, balanced and totally unintrusive performance that allows the listener to be immersed quickly in the world of the book. He makes it sound easy, but it isn't. One of the best and most considered performances I've listened to yet.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Academic acrimony

This is the first title I’ve read by the author, it was accomplished and had its own measured pace. It put me in mind of John Updike’s prose, but without his particular cutting edge. I think I’ll explore more of John William’s work when it comes my way. The narration was excellent and captured the rancour between Stoner and Lomax with academic precision.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

A must read

You don't realise how much you've been brought into the book until later on, when suddenly it becomes clear how invested you are in Stoner's life. I didn't think it would effect me so much

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Quietly devastating account of a small, unremarkable life

I have heard for many years how good this book is, what an impression it has left on people. It has many superlative accolades from serious reviewers. Yet...For some reason I had never quite felt compelled to read it. Then I finally and casually chose it for no good reason to follow a few military adventures I'd listened to, almost as a palate cleanser.

I'm now almost lost in wonder at quite how moving this story of a very ordinary life is, a lifetime lead with a certain amount nobility but to no great acclaim in a failed marriage and a quiet academic milieu. There were times, particularly towards the end, when it reached the poetic heights of perhaps my favourite novel, The Leopard.

I'm still unsure how to persuade anyone like me who has heard this before and still not felt compelled to listen. But please, do.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Quietly brilliant

This book really is as good as all the rave reviews above say! Its quietly brilliant. No showiness or gimmicks, just great writing and characterisation. Written with empathy and insight. And the narration is superb, adding an extra layer of pleasure for the listener.
Sit back, listen and enjoy...

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Alfred molina as narrator

Was recommended by dawn french along with a couple of others -would never have found it otherwise -loved it

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!