57 pages • 1 hour read
Jayber Crow
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Book Brief
384
Novel • Fiction
Port William, Kentucky • 1940s-1970s
2000
Adult
18+ years
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
22,247 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
22,247 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
BURLEY COULTER
BURLEY COULTER
Burley is a guiding figure for Jayber, evolving from a mentor into a lifelong friend who helps him find his place and identity in Port William.
MATTIE KEITH CHATHAM
MATTIE KEITH CHATHAM
Mattie is a woman Jayber loves deeply and silently; she marries the town basketball star and embodies strength and grace in the face of life's challenges.
TROY CHATHAM
TROY CHATHAM
Troy is Mattie's husband and Jayber's antagonist, representing modernity's encroachment on the traditional ways of life in Port William.
ATHEY KEITH
ATHEY KEITH
Athey is a respected farmer and the epitome of the agrarian lifestyle who impacts Jayber and the community with his commitment to stewardship of the land.
384
Novel • Fiction
Port William, Kentucky • 1940s-1970s
2000
Adult
18+ years
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