Hillbilly Elegy Summary

The story revolves around the life and experiences of a man raised predominantly by his grandparents in Middletown, Ohio. His grandparents, known to him as Papaw and Mamaw, had moved from a small Kentucky mining town, and had three children. While they may have seemed uninterested in societal norms publicly, they were fiercely protective of their family. Despite a home environment marred by alcoholism and domestic violence, their commitment to work and persistence enabled them to achieve financial stability. Their children, however, had mixed fortunes. Their son prospered after leaving home, one of their daughters had a successful career and marriage after initial struggles, while the other daughter had a tumultuous life marked by failed relationships, drug abuse, and professional failure. The two grandchildren, Lindsay and JD, were primarily raised by their grandparents, who tried to make amends for their previous parental shortcomings.

Middletown, the town they resided in, began to experience a decline some time after the birth of JD. This decline is attributed to both economic and cultural changes. The diligence and work ethic of the first generation migrants slowly started to dissipate among the newer generations who were content with mediocrity. According to JD, this shift in attitude has been detrimental to the culture and community, causing a loss of the work ethic that his grandparents' generation was known for.

Following his grandfather's death, JD's already troubled life spiraled further due to his mother's worsening mental health. Recognizing JD’s potential and the danger of him becoming another casualty of their culture, Mamaw insisted on him moving in with her permanently. This move resulted in JD’s life stabilizing, his academic performance improving, and him gaining valuable experience at a local store. After high school, despite having an opportunity to attend college, JD chose to join the Marines where he learnt invaluable life skills. Post his tenure in the Marines, he pursued his higher education and graduated from Yale Law School. Despite the various challenges he faced due to his background, he had a successful career, largely owing to the guidance and support of his wife, a professor, and the others who held faith in him. His story is a testament to the power of choices and the impact of those who choose to believe in us.