Butcher's Crossing by John Williams (Patron-Only Early Access / Ad-Free)

Stoner was one you turned me on to a while back. Curious about this one now too... one of my favorite parts in Stoner resonates with me as a reader: “But don't you know, Mr. Stoner?” Sloane asked. “Don't you understand about yourself yet? You're going to be a teacher.” "How can you tell, how can you be sure?" "It's love, Mr. Stoner," Sloane said cheerfully, "You are in love. It's as simple as that."

Never before while reading have I been so curious about every little effect the environment has on a human being’s physicality. I couldn’t get enough detail. But even more than all that, I loved those transcendental moments when Andrews’ senses, so confused and overwhelmed, sent him into an altered state. In these moments, William’s reminded me of Hermann Hesse— on the edge of some form of very independent spirituality. I’m not sure if you’ve ever read his “Narcissus and Goldmund”, but Andrews and Goldmund seem cut from the same cloth in more ways than one… Perhaps consider reading it if you get a chance, though I’m sure you have a thousand books on your list. Here’s the main idea with no spoilers— A young man embarks on a journey of self discovery across medieval Germany after his time in a cloister where he discovers he’s not who he thinks he is. It’s my favorite book. Sensitive, introspective, romantic, and brutal. Anyway, fantastic review of Butcher’s Crossing. Thanks for making it!

You should check out the book Of Wolves and Men. Really incredible book, and it features a whole section on the tie between the genocide of the planes wolves, Indians, and buffalo by the Americans, specifically the ranchers and farmers

I just noticed on IMDb that there’s also a 2022 film called Butcher’s Crossing starring Nicholas Cage based on the book. Now I want to read the book and then watch the film.

Great review, Cliff, and Happy New Year! I've never read Stoner (or any Williams), but, interestingly, I'm reading Augustus right now (received it as an xmas gift). I like it a lot, but from the introduction, it's supposedly quite different from his other works.