Wendell Berry is a celebrated writer, essayist, and poet, as well as the author of the Port William series. Jayber Crow is the eleventh in the series, but can be read as a stand-alone novel. Today I will be reviewing this unusual read.

In a nutshell, this book is about Jonah (called Jayber) Crow's life. Written in the first person, Jayber tells of how he was orphaned at ten, spent many years in an orphanage, and made his start in the world. As an adult he struggled with school and bounced from job to job, all the while battling with his doubt about God and religion.

After many years he moves to Port William and integrates into the small town and the community. Here he becomes a grave digger and a barber, as well as an observer. When he meets Mattie Keith he falls in love with her, but she marries a scoundrel that Jayber can't stand. However, this doesn't stop him from loving her and he resolves that even though he can't marry her, he will care for her in any way possible.

The book gives a unique insight into farming communities before modern agriculture became a big thing. The writing is descriptive and detailed. It reads like a memoir and contains many character sketches of the people Jayber meets throughout his life. Wendell Berry explores several topics in this book, including modern life and community.

The book is slow in many places and mellow. Jayber never marries, but he sleeps with his girlfriend and falls in love with a married woman. A good chunk of the book is spent on Jayber harping on how this woman's husband is so unworthy of her and how he makes her life harder.

This book is best for teens and adults.

For those of you who have read Jayber Crow, what did you think of it? Tell me in the comments below!