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Stoner cover art

Stoner

By: John Williams
Narrated by: Alfred Molina
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Summary

Waterstone's book of the year 2013

Colum McCann once called Stoner one of the great forgotten novels of the past century, but it seems it is forgotten no longer - in 2013 translations of Stoner began appearing on best-seller lists across Europe.

William Stoner enters the University of Missouri at 19 to study agriculture. A seminar on English literature changes his life, and he never returns to work on his father's farm. Stoner becomes a teacher. He marries the wrong woman. His life is quiet, and after his death his colleagues remember him rarely.

Yet with truthfulness, compassion and intense power, this novel uncovers a story of universal value. Stoner tells of the conflicts, defeats and victories of the human race that pass unrecorded by history and reclaims the significance of an individual life.

A listening experience like no other, itself a paean to the power of literature, it is a novel to be savoured.

©2016 John Williams (P)2016 Random House AudioBooks

What listeners say about Stoner

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Beautifully written

Beautifully written but don't expect much more.
There is no beginning middle and end. It flows through one mans life without much excitement but an unexciting life nevertheless is beautifully described.

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23 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Probably one of the finest books I have listened to - why isn't this book better known?!

If you enjoy Donna Tartt I think you will enjoy this. I am left feeling bereft after finishing this book, so much so that I am about to start again!

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21 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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A Truley Great Novel.

Utterly fantastic, moving and expertly composed. Everyone should read this book. The person who read this version was also flawless in his delivery.

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17 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Dark and beautiful

A fantastically crafted narrative that explores the human condition. As dark as it is beautiful.

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13 people found this helpful

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Excellent Novel

Very much enjoyed listening to this. To say not much happens would be true. But it is a compelling story beautifully told and very well read.

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12 people found this helpful

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Thoughtful and compelling

Any additional comments?

This isn't the sort of book I would normally go for. It took me a while to get into it, but once I did I was hooked. I think comparisons to John Steinbeck are pushing it a bit, but Stoner is a compelling classic American novel with a character I came to really care about.

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10 people found this helpful

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Modern American Classic.

This text will be regarded as a classic of 20th century literature.Alfred Molina brings great delicacy to the reading and adds to the poignancy of the text.Highly recommended.

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10 people found this helpful

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Beautiful

Outstanding, wonderfully written, impeccable performance. An absolute classic, an all time great no doubt !

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10 people found this helpful

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This is why I love the Daily Deals

Stoner would never have come close to entering my wish list but, thanks to the Daily Deals, I have just finished listening to what is now one of my favourite books of all time. Summarising the storyline would serve no useful purpose. It is more important to know that the writing, observation and characterisation are magnificent. All this is beautifully conveyed by Alfred Molina’s narration which surpasses any I have heard to date.

This is a must!

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Masterpiece

This is a marvel. An economic prose yet the fullest, most complete characterisation I've read for many years. I couldn't stop listening to this and have since bought the book which I treasure. The narration is perfect; mellifluous yet Stoners quiet strength is present in every word. Alfred Molina is an exceptional narrator. Here is a book for life

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3 people found this helpful