This biography focuses on the life of John Williams, an American writer from the mid-twentieth century, known for his novel Stoner. Initially, Stoner struggled to gain attention, with limited sales and reviews. However, it eventually gained recognition, particularly after a re-release by the New York Review of Books in 2006. The novel’s journey to success involved translations, European popularity, and notable reviews from authors like Bret Easton Ellis and Julian Barnes.
The narrative in Stoner follows the life of William Stoner, an English professor with a modest background, showcasing his relationships and challenges. Despite its minimalistic character development, the novel delves deeply into Stoner’s emotional journey and relationships, evoking a moving conclusion.
In The Man Who Wrote the Perfect Novel, Charles J. Shields paints a portrait of John Williams, drawing parallels between Williams and his fictional character Stoner. The biography explores Williams’ personal life, including his multiple marriages, alcoholism, and tumultuous career as a writer and professor.
Williams, much like Stoner, navigated the complexities of academia and personal relationships. Shields delves into Williams’ contentious nature, his struggles with colleagues, and his inconsistent behavior within academic settings. The biography sheds light on Williams’ early life experiences, including his time in the Air Force during World War II, highlighting the discrepancies between reality and Williams’ embellished narratives.
However, the biography has been criticized for its limited exploration of Williams’ literary contributions and the significant events in his life, such as his presidency at the Association of Writers & Writing Programs. Furthermore, Shields’s portrayal of Williams has been deemed as falling short of capturing the essence of the author.
Despite its attempts to dissect Williams’ life, critics argue that the biography fails to provide a comprehensive understanding of the author behind the acclaimed novel Stoner. The book leaves readers questioning the complexity of Williams’ character and whether the essence of his work surpasses the portrayal presented in his biography.
