Stand by Me

Stand by Me by Wendell Berry, published by Penguin Publishing Group on July 16, 2020, is a collection of short stories that intricately weave together the lives of a small farming community in Kentucky. Spanning over a century, the narratives explore themes of love, land, and the passage of time, as they depict the experiences of the residents of Port William. The book captures moments of resilience and connection, highlighting the significance of community and the enduring bonds formed through shared history.
Readers will find a rich tapestry of tales that reflect on the complexities of rural life, from the challenges faced during the Great Depression to the impact of war and the evolution of societal norms. Berry’s storytelling invites reflection on the beauty and quiet heroism found in everyday existence, as well as the deep-rooted relationships that shape the fabric of this close-knit town. With 400 pages of engaging prose, this edition offers a profound exploration of the intertwined lives that define a community, making it a thoughtful addition to the literary landscape.
Official synopsis Publisher
‘A woven time-travelling book, about love, land, life … Short stories that link together like trees in a forest’ Jackie Morris
On a clear Kentucky night in 1888, a young woman risks her life to save a stranger from a drunken mob. Almost a hundred years later, her great-grandson Andy climbs a hill at the edge of town, and is flooded with memories of all he has lived, seen and heard of the past century – of farmers wooing schoolteachers and soldiers trudging home from war; of the first motor car, the Great Depression and Vietnam; of neighbourly feuds and family secrets; of grief and betrayal – and of great friendship that endures for a lifetime.
These are Wendell Berry’s tales of Port William, a little farming community nestled deep in the Kentucky River valley. They unravel the story of a town over the course of four generations, lovingly chronicling the intertwined lives of the families who call it home.
Affectionate, elegiac and wry, these uplifting rural fables invite us to witness the beauty and quiet heroism at the heart of each ordinary, interconnected life.
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