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JABER CROW. Wendell Berry. (Counterpoint, 2000, 363 pages) (Reviewed by Helen L. Lapp, editor of Pages.)
JABER CROW, a recent novel by Wendell Berry, stirred my soul. Berry is author of more than 30 books but this is my first -- although I had read some of his poetry earlier. The novel follows the circumscribed life of a small town barber who had earlier studied theology. But the story dare not be given away in this short review -- each reader will bring to it a different mix of reactions.
A hint of things to come is included in a poignant scene quoted on the inside book cover. As the youthful Jaber loses his aunt and only remaining family connection, he begins ministerial studies with the help of a good scholarship and soon struggles with plaguing theological questions. He senses that he is losing his way. Before leaving the world of academia, Jaber decides to visit the New Testament Greek professor, Old Grit -- called this by students finding the man a demanding scholar.
Jaber is afraid of Dr. Ardmire also, but knows he will tell him truth. As he pours out his inner struggle, he senses without being told that he needs to leave the seminary. Jaber offers one last protest, "I had this feeling maybe I had been called."
He receives a profound response: "And you may have been right. But not to what you thought. Not to what you think. You have been given questions to which you cannot be given answers. You have to live them out -- perhaps a little at a time."
"And how long is that going to take?"
"I don't know. As long as you live, perhaps."
"That could be a long time."
"I will tell you a further mystery," he said, "It may take longer."
Soon Jaber knows his calling -- to simply be the barber in the town of Port William. The novel is full of remarkable characters giving spirit and voice to strong views about environment and personal relationships. Jaber tells many wonderful stories along the way! Likely some of my personal engagement with this novel came as Jaber's views of the land jogged my memory of my father's own heart-felt involvement in farming. Run-down neglected land! Now that depressed Papa!
What a weaving together of love and doubt, acceptance and protest, deprivation and wealth! Jayber lives out his life's story as critic and philosopher, as a perceptive observer and forgiver of humans -- while also confessing a growing belief in heaven. And Jaber's "marriage" is one of a kind. This is a book to read deliberately, not at top speed. Stopping to think deepened the impact for me. Some of you will discover Jaber and will let this book lead you on your own journey.
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