Reviews

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

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giulidrago's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Leggere Il giovane Holden è come assistere a un disastro ferroviario al rallentatore: sei consapevole che quello che accadrà sarà orribile, che non è possibile modificare il finale e che ti porterai dietro il peso di questo ricordo per tutta la tua vita, ma non puoi distogliere lo sguardo; in maniera simile il lettore non può fare altro che assistere impotente alla rapidissima discesa di Holden nella depressione e nel disagio, mentre tenta di soffocare il proprio malessere e disgusto con comportamenti autodistruttivi e impulsivi.
Holden è immaturo, lamentoso, ingenuo e irritante come ogni adolescente stereotipato, ma nonostante i suoi innumerevoli difetti non può non suscitare tenerezza e simpatia, perchè tutti nella vita ci siamo sentiti persi come Holden: è per questo sentimento di solidarietà e riconoscimento che si tifa per lui, perchè una sua eventuale vittoria sarebbe anche la nostra.

Content Warnings

jasanais's review against another edition

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3.0

This is sort of difficult to give a rating. I really enjoyed reading it but I also found it all a bit pointless and Holden irritating, which is also the point??? I don’t know

orangeadeprince's review against another edition

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4.0

does this make me a red flag

bfaldano's review against another edition

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adventurous 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? It's complicated

4.0

dnietoperafan's review against another edition

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5.0

The Catcher in the Rye is one of the best novels I've read. It has a very special place in my heart. Not only does Salinger takle universal problems like depression and lack of passion, but he also did an amazing job at creating a main narrator who feels real to the readers. Holden's way of story-telling is unique in a way. He starts with a point in mind, dances through it a bit, tells the reader about other anecdotes, and concludes the starting point.

I love the small development Holden has. Not only does it makes him feel more real, but it also carries a point. Don't get me wrong, Holden does develop somehow throughout the book, but his essence and personality are untouched. His cynical viewpoint, his self-recognition; it never trully goes away, which is what would normally happen in real life.

Salinger's novel is time-less. While reading I kept forgetting that it is set in the 1950's, and stuff like Holden's address book or the phone booths made me wake up from my trance. Holden can be so relatable to teenagers nowadays, that the reader will ease into the story like if it was written that same year.

Honestly, I must say that this novel is a must read for everyone. The slang is great, the characters are amazing, the setting is fitting. Every part of this book can be analysed and dissected to its core. I just love this book. I would recommend it to everyone.