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57 pages 1 hour read

Jayber Crow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000

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Book Brief

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Wendell Berry

Jayber Crow

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2000
Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Port William, Kentucky • 1940s-1970s

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry follows the life of Jayber Crow, an orphan who becomes the barber in the small, fictional town of Port William, Kentucky. As he ages, Jayber reflects on his experiences, love for Mattie Keith, search for faith and belonging, and the changing dynamics of the community he serves. Berry's narrative weaves themes of agrarian life, community, and personal redemption.

Contemplative

Nostalgic

Melancholic

Serene

Heartwarming

Reviews & Readership

4.5

22,247 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry beautifully captures small-town life and the intricacies of human relationships, earning praise for its lyrical prose and profound themes. However, some readers find the narrative slow-paced and meandering. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its introspective and thoughtful portrayal of rural American existence.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Jayber Crow?

Fans of Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry are typically drawn to reflective, character-driven narratives. They appreciate contemplative storytelling akin to Marilynne Robinson's Gilead or Kent Haruf's Plainsong. Readers enjoy explorations of community, faith, and rural life through rich, poetic prose. Ideal for those who love intimate, spiritual, and pastoral themes.

4.5

22,247 ratings

87%

Loved it

10%

Mixed feelings

3%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

384

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Port William, Kentucky • 1940s-1970s

Publication Year

2000

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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