A review by clintzoidberg
Butcher's Crossing by John Williams

5.0

This is my second book by John Williams; the first being Stoner. Both books are tightly plotted easy reads with strong characters and also top-tier literature of deep insights. Where Stoner amongst other might be said to be a story about individuality and integrity in the face of petty academia at a University in the early 1900’s, Butchers Crossing is a western set in the 1870’s, following a young man leaving Harward to join a buffalo-hunting expedition in the mountains of Kansas. A story about pulling the wool from one’s eyes, casting off false ideas and ideals to discover and be able to live in the freedom of reality.
Both novels are deeply rewarding reads, philosophically interesting and examples of the Künstlerroman; a more adult, contrarian sub-genre of the Bildungsroman.
Highly recommended.