A review by crafalsk264
Jayber Crow by Wendell Berry

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

I knew this title was familiar. As I got into the book, I realized that I had read this book before. Since I was listening to the audiobook, I got a beverage, put on the headphones, leaned back in the recliner, and let the sound of the narrator’s voice flow into my consciousness. It became a mediation.

The story is the memories of Jaber’s life. He is orphaned twice before he is 10 years old. We follow his upbringing until he makes his way back to a town very close to where he was born and spent his first 10 years. Jayber is trained as a barber and he buys an empty barbershop. From his shop’s window he watches as the towns grows and changes through two World Wars, political and economic highs and lows. He watches his neighborhood and his neighbors through the upheaval of the 60s and 70s. Jayber’s a philosopher and we get to witness his reflection on his life.

This story is a slice of history, a love story, a comedy-tragedy. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys this kind of reflective material.