Classics · Literary · Historical
Stoner
The life of William Stoner, a farm boy who goes to university and becomes an English teacher. It follows a quiet career, a disappointing marriage and small private joys, told in clear, calm prose.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 1965
- Pace
- Slow
- Length
- Short
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like quiet, sad novels about an ordinary life and what makes it count.
Skip this if you want plot twists or momentum, since almost nothing dramatic happens.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about Stoner
- What is Stoner about?
- The life of William Stoner, a farm boy who goes to university and becomes an English teacher. It follows a quiet career, a disappointing marriage and small private joys, told in clear, calm prose.
- Who should read Stoner?
- Read it if you like quiet, sad novels about an ordinary life and what makes it count. Skip it if you want plot twists or momentum, since almost nothing dramatic happens.
- How long and how fast is Stoner?
- It is a slow-paced, short read, first published in 1965.
- Does Stoner have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Infidelity, Death.
- Can I borrow Stoner for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Stoner; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after Stoner?
- Readers who liked it often move on to The Remains of the Day, Olive Kitteridge, A Man Called Ove.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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Because you might love it
If you loved Stoner
-
The Remains of the Day
A restrained story about a man looking back on a life of duty and missed chances.
-
Olive Kitteridge
A set of linked stories about a prickly, ordinary woman, equally honest and understated.
-
A Man Called Ove A warmer, funnier take on an isolated older man and the life that shaped him.
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