Reviews

Dangling Man by Saul Bellow

wintermdavis's review against another edition

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

3.5

I'm sure this was better in 1944.

alink's review against another edition

challenging emotional 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

2.5

mkquillen's review against another edition

adventurous emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bookslovejenna's review against another edition

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

2.0

eaird's review against another edition

medium-paced

3.5

krn_'s review against another edition

reflective medium-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

3.5

annaotations's review against another edition

5.0

I’m breathless!!!!!!

sammystarbuck's review against another edition

2.0

Not bad, just not really my cup of tea.

andriaerin's review against another edition

2.0

The Dangling Man is a diary styled novel exploring the hardships and lack of identity belonging to a man named Joseph who is supposed to be drafted for the Army, but his draft keeps being delayed. Without work, Joseph is idle and struggles to understand his purpose or role in life. The diary details the psychological toll that this idleness has on Joseph's mind and relationships. While the story was interesting, it also felt pretty repetitive, which I guess was part of the point. Joseph isn't very likable for most of the novel, as he has outbursts of aggression and rage and has very few consequences for his actions. He also sulks a lot and is overall lethargic and upset about his lot in life but seems unwilling to change it. This is definitely not a book I would have picked up on my own - 2.5 stars.

jacobinreads's review against another edition

reflective fast-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

2.25