The Memory of Old Jack by Wendell Berry

These are the kinds of people who will especially cherish this book:
*Those who grew up in farm families, knowing something of the love of the earth;
*Those who believe that a life of producing is more honest than a life of amassing wealth or fame;
*Those who have been close to loved ones near the end of long lives;
*Those who are nearer to the end than to the beginning of their own lives.

Readers who can claim none of the connections above will still cherish this book if they value writing that is flowing and poetic, intimate and authentic.

This is a beautiful book.

On the last day of his life, Old Jack follows his established routine in his small town, visiting the general store, the barber shop, and other places of rest and reflection for old men. All the while, he is also touring in his mind the landscape of his youth and vigorous manhood, remembering the joy of caring for his land, the long, lonely years of his disastrous marriage, his brief years of happiness as a lover. He also thinks of the men and boys who have shared his values and work ethic and who have stood in as father and sons for him.

What emerges is a picture of a deeply decent man, who despite mistakes and failings, nears his end as an example of dignity and endurance, worthy of respect and emulation.

The Memory of Old Jack is not the kind of book to become a best seller, because it does not have the kind of fast moving and suspenseful plot generally belonging to that kind of book. But it is the kind of book that rings so true and that portrays the kind of life that so many people wish would return that it is still in print today, although it was never a best seller and was written almost 40 years ago.

Highly recommended.