Stoner

by John Williams · 1965

Stoner is a novel that chronicles the unremarkable yet deeply moving life of William Stoner, a Missouri farm boy who becomes an English professor. Born at the end of the nineteenth century, Stoner leaves his family's hardscrabble farm to study at the University of Missouri. After discovering a passion for literature, he pursues an academic career, navigating the insular world of university life. Throughout his life, he faces professional struggles, an unhappy marriage, and a short-lived affair, all while confronting personal disappointments and an essential solitude. The narrative follows his life through major historical events like World War I and the Great Depression, portraying his quiet resilience and the stoic nature of his existence.