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Wendell Berry

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Jayber Crow Paperback – September 1, 2001

by Wendell Berry (Author)

4.6 2,795 ratings

Part of: Port William (10 books)

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“This is a book about Heaven,” says Jayber Crow, “but I must say too that . . . I have wondered sometimes if it would not finally turn out to be a book about Hell.” It is 1932 and he has returned to his native Port William to become the town's barber.

Orphaned at age ten, Jayber Crow’s acquaintance with loneliness and want have made him a patient observer of the human animal, in both its goodness and frailty.

He began his search as a “pre–ministerial student” at Pigeonville College. There, freedom met with new burdens and a young man needed more than a mirror to find himself. But the beginning of that finding was a short conversation with “Old Grit,” his profound professor of New Testament Greek.

“You have been given questions to which you cannot be given answers. You will have to live them out—perhaps a little at a time.”

“And how long is that going to take?”

“I don't know. As long as you live, perhaps.”

“That could be a long time.”

“I will tell you a further mystery,” he said. “It may take longer.”

Wendell Berry’s clear–sighted depiction of humanity’s gifts—love and loss, joy and despair—is seen though his intimate knowledge of the Port William Membership.

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Praise for Jayber Crow

"An almost perfect fiction, a sublime meditation on how irrevocable loss is redeemed through a renewed sense of kinship with the land and the past . . . A beautiful and ennobling book."

"Mr. Berry writes elegantly, effortlessly balancing tragedy and a quiet, sly humor."

"The family are caught on the wheel of nature, which is at once blindingly beautiful and unwittingly cruel . . . The narrative is stunning, the natural scene beautifully evoked."

About the Author

Wendell Berry is the author of fifty books of poetry, fiction, and essays. He was recently awarded the Cleanth Brooks Medal for Lifetime Achievement by the Fellowship of Southern Writers and the Louis Bromfield Society Award. For over forty years he has lived and farmed with his wife, Tanya, in Kentucky.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Counterpoint (September 1, 2001)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Paperback ‏ : ‎ 384 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1582431604
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1582431604
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.15 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.97 x 1 x 8.98 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #14,546 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #138 in Contemporary Literature & Fiction
- #1,224 in American Literature (Books)
- #1,427 in Literary Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.6 2,795 ratings

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Wendell Berry

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Wendell E. Berry (born August 5, 1934) is an American novelist, poet, environmental activist, cultural critic, and farmer. A prolific author, he has written many novels, short stories, poems, and essays. He is an elected member of the Fellowship of Southern Writers, a recipient of The National Humanities Medal, and the Jefferson Lecturer for 2012. He is also a 2013 Fellow of The American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Berry was named the recipient of the 2013 Richard C. Holbrooke Distinguished Achievement Award. On January 28, 2015, he became the first living writer to be ushered into the Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame.

Bio from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Photo by Guy Mendes (Guy Mendes) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons.

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Customers say

Customers find the book thought-provoking and engaging. They praise the writing quality as well-crafted and poetic. The pacing is described as leisurely and reflective, with moments of vignettes. Readers appreciate the rich character development and historical accuracy.

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Readability Story quality Writing quality Pacing Character development Historical accuracy Beauty Humanity

205 customers mention "Readability"205 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's writing thoughtful and profound at times. They appreciate the earnest and principled characters. The points worth reflection are found in this engaging read. Readers describe the historical details as rich and engaging. Overall, they find the book a crowning elegiac tribute to simple agrarian life.

"...But the writing is so heartfelt, deeply thoughtful, profound at times, that I HAD to give it a 5... if that makes any sense, I hope so." Read more

"Spend a weekend in Port William. This book is sure to be a classic. Orphan Jayber Crow feels he was called to be a preacher from a young age...." Read more

"...There are so many points worthy of thoughtful reflection found in this book that it could easily be a meditation aid, regardless of one’s focus of..." Read more

"...Indeed, this book is explicitly a book about heaven, both on earth and leaking into the world-to-come...." Read more

154 customers mention "Story quality"143 positive11 negative

Customers enjoy the story's quality. They find the writing beautiful and engaging. The story is described as riveting yet calm, with a masterful storytelling style. Readers consider it the best novel they have ever read and enjoyable.

"...It is full of the vibrance of simple humanity and simple, straightforward human love...." Read more

"...Joined with the unique storyline, the descriptive prose and realistic relationships aided in this novel being one I’d vote as a classic." Read more

"...me some of 4 years to read and finally I finished and found it worth all the time...." Read more

"...on the spirituality of living as a loving being, is a piece of Historical Fiction of a time (1914 – 1985+/-) and place (the hills of Kentucky) where..." Read more

131 customers mention "Writing quality"118 positive13 negative

Customers appreciate the writing quality of the book. They find the characters realistic and the author's perspective on life, people, and the world captivating. The book is described as poetic and conversational, with a refreshing call to simplicity. Readers praise the flowing style and the author's ability to weave together spirituality and everyday life experiences.

"...It has a hefty dose of simple, small town humor you may enjoy. I thought about giving it a "4" because it moves so slowly, definitely not in a hurry...." Read more

"...Joined with the unique storyline, the descriptive prose and realistic relationships aided in this novel being one I’d vote as a classic." Read more

"...that: is well-written to the place of perfection, reads like a meditation on the spirituality of living as a loving being, is a piece of Historical..." Read more

"...His writing style is relaxing and accessible. Although I typically prefer books with a faster plot, this book surprisingly worked for me...." Read more

87 customers mention "Pacing"72 positive15 negative

Customers appreciate the book's pacing. They find it slow-paced and character-driven, a collection of vignettes. The book makes them want to slow down and relax, rather than engaging in flashy or action-packed narratives.

"...It is a slow, beautifully written memory of a life. It is full of the vibrance of simple humanity and simple, straightforward human love...." Read more

"...of thoughtful reflection found in this book that it could easily be a meditation aid, regardless of one’s focus of faith or Spiritual basis...." Read more

"...Small-town life is also idealized, so those who like to read about the intensity of relationships should also be intrigued...." Read more

"...Many authors try to be flashy, exciting, action-packed, sexy, or controversial in their works and that isn’t always a bad thing...." Read more

49 customers mention "Character development"47 positive2 negative

Customers enjoy the rich, 1950s-styled characters. The subtle construction of local characters marks this book as among the best. They find the characters intriguing and talented.

"...I feel better for reading and knowing these characters. It is just not a quick or easy read, so I would recommend this novel to few." Read more

"...Crow" slowly and convincingly constructs the life of a brilliant and talented man,who settles for the the occupation of village barber...." Read more

"Lots of complex themes, memorable characters, and rewarding plot." Read more

"...I find these books to be quality writing, focusing on people, personalities and the surrounding views, sights and sounds ...." Read more

19 customers mention "Historical accuracy"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the historical accuracy of the book. They find it engaging and describe it as a story about generations and community. The themes of integrity, faith, and purpose are appreciated. Readers appreciate how the book depicts the 20th century and illustrates how America has changed.

"...but for those willing to slow down and enjoy a beautiful, wise and nostalgic view." Read more

"...About halfway through, I was captured by the historicity, the rich and engaging way he explained the demise of the old small town communities that..." Read more

"...Most importantly, it`s about war and peace, about love and hate, about doubt and faith and forgiveness...." Read more

"This book quickly became a favorite. I loved the themes of community, integrity, faith and purpose...." Read more

18 customers mention "Beauty"18 positive0 negative

Customers find the book's prose poetic and visually stunning. They appreciate the vivid descriptions of places, characters, and surroundings. The passion is contagious and the prose flows smoothly.

"...The entire book is beautiful. - What makes the book beautiful is the way Berry writes...." Read more

"...The character of Jonah Crow was drawn clearly and with great care. I liked Jonah and found him both incredibly earnest and quietly principled...." Read more

"...to be quality writing, focusing on people, personalities and the surrounding views, sights and sounds ...." Read more

"...Great characters, great description, great stories, great vignettes. A great book. Don’t miss it..." Read more

14 customers mention "Humanity"14 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's humanity and kindness. They find it an example of unselfish, genuine love and kindness. The story about small towns and human nature resonates with readers. Jayber Crow is portrayed as a gentle hero who allows room for forgiveness. The joy of helping neighbors is also mentioned as a positive aspect of the book.

"...It is full of the vibrance of simple humanity and simple, straightforward human love...." Read more

"...of scale, etc, are all here in a great story of learning, love, and forgiveness. This is a book about much more than just Where...." Read more

"...war and peace, about love and hate, about doubt and faith and forgiveness...." Read more

"...at a life style of a small farming community and the joy of helping your neighbor" Read more

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Tom Ervasti
Gorgeous writing!
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2024
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If you want a fast reading novel with plenty of action, don't read this book. It is a slow, beautifully written memory of a life. It is full of the vibrance of simple humanity and simple, straightforward human love. It also includes a lot of the Christian faith and teaching, so if that will turn you off, be advised. It has a hefty dose of simple, small town humor you may enjoy. I thought about giving it a "4" because it moves so slowly, definitely not in a hurry. But the writing is so heartfelt, deeply thoughtful, profound at times, that I HAD to give it a 5... if that makes any sense, I hope so.

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stephanie sellers
Intimate. Relatable. Sure to be a classic.
Reviewed in the United States on February 25, 2025
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Spend a weekend in Port William. This book is sure to be a classic.
Orphan Jayber Crow feels he was called to be a preacher from a young age. During Bible college, he discovers questions only life will answer, and he begins a journey only a Christian could live to answers many of his questions. His main unanswered question is about his loneliness, his want for love and companionship. Although he leaves his beloved Port William town for the forest to spend his elderly years in a remote cabin, his heart is with a woman he never even dated, but loved his adult life from afar, Mattie. This unrequited love draws the reader from its first introduction and doesn’t let go until the ending.
Joined with the unique storyline, the descriptive prose and realistic relationships aided in this novel being one I’d vote as a classic.

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Karsten
meandering depths
Reviewed in the United States on December 28, 2024
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I wanted so much for this to be a five star review but only the second quarter of the book redeemed it for me. It took me some of 4 years to read and finally I finished and found it worth all the time.
It is an accomplishment in itself to immersed yourself in the meandering words of Wendell berry and come out knowing something you didn’t know prior. I feel better for reading and knowing these characters. It is just not a quick or easy read, so I would recommend this novel to few.

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YoyoMitch
So good, you have to read it to believe it.
Reviewed in the United States on September 11, 2015
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How to speak of a novel that: is well-written to the place of perfection, reads like a meditation on the spirituality of living as a loving being, is a piece of Historical Fiction of a time (1914 – 1985+/-) and place (the hills of Kentucky) where people mattered and was so engaging that finishing it is akin to saying goodbye to a close friend as one moves from home to an unknown location? How to describe a character like Jayber Crow – Everyman, Shaman, Wanderer, Explorer, Speaker-of-Truth – who defies being confined to such mundane monikers? One cannot contain the breadth and depth of such a book as this by using words, one must experience Jayber Crow as he lives his life in Port William, Kentucky.
Jonah Crow was orphaned before his fourth birthday, raised by an aunt and uncle, who had wanted children but were never “so blest,” until he was, “. . . a little past ten years old and I was the survivor already of two stories completely ended.” (p.28). He was then placed in The Good Shepherd Orphanage where he became “J. Crow” by the motion of the superintendent’s will. Soon thereafter, “J.” was “Jaybird” then became “Jayber” about the time he considered that he “was called to preach.” As a result of this “call,” he was granted a scholarship to Pigeonville Bible College. While there, his true calling caught up to him – he not only had doubts, but found those questions to be the root of his (deeply held) faith.

“You have been given questions to which you cannot be given answers. You will have to live them out – perhaps a little at the time.”
“And how long is that going to take?”
“I don’t know. As long as you live, perhaps.”
“That could take a long time.”
“I will tell you a further mystery,” he said. “It may take longer.” (p. 54)

Upon leaving Pigeonville, he explores the “wider world” for a few years, by barbering in Lexington, Kentucky. In 1937, at the beginning of a historic flood, he “knew” he had to return to Port William. There, for the rest of his life (at least the amount he could chronicle) he watched, listened, learned to love and became a part of the community that gave him life as it taught him how to live it. He lived “into” some of the possible answers to the questions he had while at Pigeonville.
There are so many points worthy of thoughtful reflection found in this book that it could easily be a meditation aid, regardless of one’s focus of faith or Spiritual basis. (“I felt the presence of memories I could not remember” p. 132; “I am as mystified as anybody by the transformation known as death, and the resurrection is more real to me than most things I have not yet seen.” p. 157; “I sat in my chair and let the cold, slow daylight come around me.” p. 243, etc.) What is not a moment of potential awakening in the book is a moment of visiting relatives in any small southern town in years gone by. Reading many of Jayber’s recollections took me back to so many places in of my youth, with such clarity, that I felt the winds of my childhood blowing around me.
I am nearly ashamed that I have lived in Kentucky for most of my life, had heard of Wendell Berry frequently, but had managed to not read any of his work until a friend mentioned the impact this novel was having in her life. To not read the writing of such an author as Mr. Berry is to deny the power of reading, clear thinking and to willingly choose to be illiterate. This is the sixth (of eight) “Port William” novels penned by this Kentucky Writers Hall of Fame member, which is but a fraction of his writing. It is a comfort to know I have so much wonder to discover by reading it – ALL!

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Top reviews from other countries

Wendell
A classic novel illustrating Wendell Berry's philosophy
Reviewed in Canada on March 7, 2024
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Jaber Crow is not only a literary masterpiece but a carefully crafted apology for resource conservation by thinking local and small. In this fascinating and compelling story Wendell illustrates his concerns for community and the environment.

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swisssusie
Great story!
Reviewed in Germany on September 9, 2019
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I loved the setting and following the lives of the protagonists. I have family in that part of the world so I enjoy reading about it.

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A. McKenzie
Singleness done well, after some slip ups
Reviewed in Australia on August 15, 2019
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A great book describing a lifetime struggling with singleness and coming to a full life with the help of a caring and diverse community.

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Nick Reader
A lovely gentle read
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 16, 2014
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Berry writes about a world I know nothing about - but as ever the universal is revealed best through the particular. This is an excellent read.

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Wyenotgo
It will make you laugh long and hard and it will break your heart.
Reviewed in Canada on December 7, 2018
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This book is a time capsule. It will make you laugh long and hard and it will break your heart.
Homespun small town philosophy in the mode of Mark Twain, tongue firmly planted in cheek to mask its entirely serious intent. A paean to a world before corporate agribusiness and "progress" did away with agrarian villages; a world where smart phones hadn't been thought of but there were smart people who wouldn't have thought to consider themselves smart. Its a book that functions on a different time scale, one that would not be understood as being "real" time today. Time didn't "stand still"; it simply didn't matter whether it went anywhere or not. It's also an ode to love in its best sense -- the power of love and the tragedy of love.
There are wonderful, celebratory passages such as an account of a "worter dranking party" or a walk through a piece of untouched mature forest called "a nest egg". But there are also deeply insightful accounts of the slow decline and death of a community and a way of life that became the victim of the "Economy".

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5.0 out of 5 stars Gorgeous writing!

5.0 out of 5 stars Intimate. Relatable. Sure to be a classic.

4.0 out of 5 stars meandering depths

5.0 out of 5 stars So good, you have to read it to believe it.

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars A classic novel illustrating Wendell Berry's philosophy

5.0 out of 5 stars Great story!

5.0 out of 5 stars Singleness done well, after some slip ups

5.0 out of 5 stars A lovely gentle read

5.0 out of 5 stars It will make you laugh long and hard and it will break your heart.

Gorgeous writing!

Intimate. Relatable. Sure to be a classic.

meandering depths

So good, you have to read it to believe it.

A classic novel illustrating Wendell Berry's philosophy

Great story!

Singleness done well, after some slip ups

A lovely gentle read

It will make you laugh long and hard and it will break your heart.