Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

Just finished listening to Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry. It was ready by Norman Gilliland in 10 30-minute segments on Wisconsin Public Radio’s Chapter a Day in September & October 2004.

This story meanders as much as the Kentucky river that borders the small town where the main character, Jayber Crow, tells his life story. It is not just about his own life but the life of a small town, a town that is dieing because there is no longer any reason to live there.

I would not have finished reading this book if it had not been read to me. Just not a compelling story and the few plot lines were too ordinary and far fetched at the same time – example: Jayber dedicates himself to be the ‘faithful’ husband to a woman who is already married. ??? In other words he would remain celebrate and she would remain with her husband. They would have chance encounters where they would walk together in the woods. ??? Ok, I am glad they didn’t have an affair – but the story line makes no sense. Maybe someone is that crazy in real life – but it is not interesting enough to write about!

But if you want to read about the life and death of a small rural town, this would be the story for you.