I had a hard time with this book at first – it starts off with a young man following the instructions of his family until he finally finds something that calls to him, and then he somehow finds a way to pursue it. What he finds at first is a love for study, and later a love for a woman, and still later a love for his daughter. The book moves slowly through his life as each one of these loves is threatened, and we watch his sort of limp response to these threats.
I felt myself urging him to strive a little more, to put forth a little more effort, but his flaccid character prevents him from taking control of his own life. Communicate with your wife! Set some goals! Take a look around the world! The book had me wondering what the author’s message was – the risks of passivity? The dangers of focusing on study above all else?
While the beginning of the book was frustrating, towards the middle and end I started to appreciate the writing more, and the reflections of the older main character started to feel easier to identify with. Especially the writing surrounding Stoner’s love affair, and his rapid descent into old age.
Throughout the book you just have to root for this character – his heart is in the right place and overall he is a good person – and I’m glad he got a little happiness out of his life. In the end I was just hoping that he would put a little more effort into living.
My next book is still up in the air, but I’m continuing reading about James Bond – I’ve still got a bunch of movies left to re-watch!
