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andyc_elsby232's review against another edition
3.0
It's a fun book, bursting with language that is impossibly beautiful at points. The issue is that the language lacks control and didnt take me anywhere new or special. It's a book centered around moments that aren't actual moments but distractions and, at its worst, filler. It's a short book that is actually way shorter when you realize how much of it is just fucking around. It's a peculiar, flawed almost-gem. If all you're in it for is Updike's masterful writing, you'll be happy--and I was happy reading it for the most part, because goddamn can the man write--but there isn't anything touching or thoughtful about it. To be crass, this is Updike flexing his skills but not doing any actual lifting.
P.S. Golf. Motherfucking golf.
P.S. Golf. Motherfucking golf.
squidreads12's review against another edition
challenging
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Definitely a satire, and cleverly written. However, I wish it was more obviously satirical. There were a lot of problematic plot points and instances that made it kind of hard to read.
mikepage7176's review against another edition
3.0
This took a while to read. It's a hard read morally, and I was wary to enjoy it too much. (If you did not finish this book for moral reasons I find that commendable - something I usually don't for a book.) I think in the end, Updike was playing with us a bit. He turns the table on "you, dear reader" in this novel, especially in the last chapter. He tricks us to think we are observing, only finding out later we are participating. By taking advantage of our propensity for the salacious, he gives us time to realize we aren't much better than the flawed main character. This reveal also takes a turn as the redemption, the unveiling of who he is and who we are in our basest and most selfish desires and doubts. You don't like the character, but you are interested in where his course will take him.
The book is overty sexual. Overbearingly so in many cases. Details of sexual encounters, down to sometimes obscure sensory details, are graphic. I think Updike saw value in doing so. The occurances often come off as juvenile, revealing the sex addicted stunted nature of his main character. And he is indeed a sex addict. He slums boredom and apathy when not on some sexual hunt (or trapped in the confinment of the treatment center), but finds himself full of life in his illicit sexual exploits and pursuits.
Tom Marshfield, a doubting Thomas if ever there was one, also gives sermons throughout his stay at the reform vacaction he is put under. These are full of both cynicism and bright insight. He's aware of his shortcomings, but takes the arrogant tone of one who seemingly doesn't care. There's almost a forcefulness for us to accept it, but no repentance or sorrow on what is occuring. The hypocricy in his doubts and how they are the result, not the cause, of his sexaul dysfunction doesn't hit him. How his adoration of the sexual is a perversion of what should rightfull be adored. Although the author hints maybe he is aware. The narrator can't untangle the two, it's a complex mess, but that is demonstrating the larger issue Updike may have been paying homage to: we ourselves have corrupted adoration of God in exchanged for sex. Like the character, our loss of moral clarity has left us lost; it's hard to find the way out. Updike did a remarkable job capturing the character and dilemma, but like the adoration issue, it's hard to untangle the insightful from the salacious, so hence the 3 stars.
The book is overty sexual. Overbearingly so in many cases. Details of sexual encounters, down to sometimes obscure sensory details, are graphic. I think Updike saw value in doing so. The occurances often come off as juvenile, revealing the sex addicted stunted nature of his main character. And he is indeed a sex addict. He slums boredom and apathy when not on some sexual hunt (or trapped in the confinment of the treatment center), but finds himself full of life in his illicit sexual exploits and pursuits.
Tom Marshfield, a doubting Thomas if ever there was one, also gives sermons throughout his stay at the reform vacaction he is put under. These are full of both cynicism and bright insight. He's aware of his shortcomings, but takes the arrogant tone of one who seemingly doesn't care. There's almost a forcefulness for us to accept it, but no repentance or sorrow on what is occuring. The hypocricy in his doubts and how they are the result, not the cause, of his sexaul dysfunction doesn't hit him. How his adoration of the sexual is a perversion of what should rightfull be adored. Although the author hints maybe he is aware. The narrator can't untangle the two, it's a complex mess, but that is demonstrating the larger issue Updike may have been paying homage to: we ourselves have corrupted adoration of God in exchanged for sex. Like the character, our loss of moral clarity has left us lost; it's hard to find the way out. Updike did a remarkable job capturing the character and dilemma, but like the adoration issue, it's hard to untangle the insightful from the salacious, so hence the 3 stars.
evmel13's review against another edition
funny
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
ftremlett24's review against another edition
dark
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
carka88's review against another edition
2.0
I selected this for my "U" choice for A-to-Z Authors group and had started (but paused) reading it before John Updike died. Once he died, I forced myself to keep reading this book just so I could check it off my list. I don't think the description did an adequate job of describing what the book would actually be about, and I found it hard to follow. Perhaps that's because Updike's vocabulary is so extensive...I probably should have read it along with a dictionary. There were some chapters that captivated me -- particularly the description of being in the desert. Since I live in Arizona and have resisted the desert for most of my life, this part touched me. It reminded me of reading Abbey's Desert Solitaire in college, after a years-long debate with a high school friend over whether the desert can be peaceful. I conceded the argument after reading Abbey's book, and Updike's section on desert wonders confirms that decision.
ladygetslit's review against another edition
4.0
Updike is a perfect combination of poignant, realistic, and hilarious.
amandawritings's review against another edition
3.0
Very interesting delve into the life of a priest. Kind of makes you think about the different perspectives of the religious leaders of our world. There were times I really wanted to hate the main character, Tom, but he was just so honest about his thoughts and actions that it was hard not to like him. It's cool that it was in the form of Tom's diary and he wrote for someone other than himself which made it different than usual diaries. He wrote as if there was a secret reader that kind of ended up getting you more involved into the story.