October 28th, 2024
by Morgan A. Mitchell
by Morgan A. Mitchell
Be aware that there is a significant difference between the reviews and recommendations on this blog. Just because I review a book, TV show, or movie does not mean I recommend it. I am simply analyzing the work and giving my honest opinion of it, as well as providing key points such as the plot summary, age appropriateness (if the reader should choose to read or watch it), and anything else that's noteworthy.
Wendell Berry is a celebrated writer, essayist, and poet, as well as the author of the Port William series. Jayber Crow is the eleventh in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. Today I will be reviewing this unusual read.
Plot Summary
In a nutshell, this book is about Jonah (called Jayber) Crow's life. Written in the first person, Jayber tells of how he was orphaned at ten, spent many years in an orphanage, and made his start in the world. As an adult he struggled with school and bounced from job to job, all the while battling with his doubt about God and religion.
After many years he moves to Port William and integrates into the small town and the community. Here he becomes a grave digger and a barber, as well as an observer. When he meets Mattie Keith he falls in love with her, but she marries a scoundrel that Jayber can't stand. However, this doesn't stop him from loving her and he resolves that even though he can't marry her, he will care for her in any way possible.
After many years he moves to Port William and integrates into the small town and the community. Here he becomes a grave digger and a barber, as well as an observer. When he meets Mattie Keith he falls in love with her, but she marries a scoundrel that Jayber can't stand. However, this doesn't stop him from loving her and he resolves that even though he can't marry her, he will care for her in any way possible.
Pros and Cons
The book gives a unique insight into farming communities before modern agriculture became a big thing. The writing is descriptive and detailed. It reads like a memoir and contains many character sketches of the people Jayber meets throughout his life. Wendell Berry explores several topics in this book, including modern life and community.
The book is slow in many places and mellow. Jayber never marries, but he sleeps with his girlfriend and falls in love with a married woman. A good chunk of the book is spent on Jayber harping on how this woman's husband is so unworthy of her and how he makes her life harder.
The book is slow in many places and mellow. Jayber never marries, but he sleeps with his girlfriend and falls in love with a married woman. A good chunk of the book is spent on Jayber harping on how this woman's husband is so unworthy of her and how he makes her life harder.
Notes
This book is best for teens and adults.
For those of you who have read Jayber Crow, what did you think of it? Tell me in the comments below!
Recent
Archive
2024
January
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
2023
January
April
July
October
November
Categories
Tags
Abundant Living
Book Review
Books for Adults
Books for Older Teenagers
Books
Christian Heroes
Christianity
Christmas
Devotionals for Adults
Devotionals for Young People
Devotionals
Easter Books
Easter
Encouragement
Faith
Family Friendly
Fantasy Books
Fantasy book series
Fantasy
Fiction
Hard Times
Hope during trials
How-To
Missionary
Movie Review
Movies
Movie
Music
Salvation
Songs
TV Shows
2 Comments
Sounds like a very interesting book! How deep does it talk about God in this book?
I feel like the spiritual part could've been more deep. Jayber doesn't come to a concrete belief in God and the beliefs he does have are not founded on Christian doctrine. He tends to make assumptions and rely on his own thinking than seek out real answers. Personally, I didn't think it was the best.