Reviews

The Memory of Old Jack by Wendell Berry

vmwierz's review against another edition

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inspiring reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bensmucker93's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced

4.5

sharon_b's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

christinerose's review against another edition

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4.0

After Nick Offerman raved about Wendell Berry I’ve had an eye out for his work at used bookstores. When I eventually found this book I didn’t even glance to see what it was about and had the rare experience of going into a novel with very few expectations. It’s beautifully written, and reminded me of a somber, adult, and masculine version of the little house on the prairie books I loved as a kid. Not exactly a page turner, but definitely philosophically compelling. My main complaint is the way in which women are often shunted to the sidelines.

rbrack20's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

kristidurbs's review against another edition

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5.0

A book full of beautiful melancholy, the remembrances of one man's life failures, regrets, and ashen hopes. Old Jack is yet another bewitching Berry masterpiece of writing.

bourbonandabook's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

lindasdarby's review against another edition

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4.0

Wendell berry's writing is sublime. This book was excellent - of course.

johnmatthewfox's review against another edition

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5.0

Better books might exist in the world, but I sure haven’t found them.

Wendell Berry’s Port William rivals Faulkner’s Yoknapatawpha County, but only Berry’s characters will teach you how to live and die with an honor that no other fictional author has broached.

dave37's review against another edition

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5.0

When I am out of sorts, I reach for Wendell Berry to reconnect to what matters - family, friends, the land. Berry's prose requires you to slow down and think in order to take in all of the facets of its apparent simplicity, and that is a blessing. Not just the richness of his language, but the slowing down. Getting to know more of the Port William Membership is always a gift.