A review by david_rhee
The Dangling Man by Saul Bellow

4.0

Saul Bellow called The Dangling Man one of his "apprentice works" and one could see why. He kept things simple with a journal format. By doing so, he saved himself a lot of setup work which freed him to concentrate on the book's strengths. At first, it looks like a confinement of scope but it allows for tighter focus on a distinct state of existence. The conversations between Joseph, the protagonist, and the Spirit of Alternatives were especially enjoyable. This is a good and short look into the question of human freedom...what it is and whether it is even what we want. What is freedom to you? Will it give you the breakthrough of your life? Or will it make your life unbearable and drive you to search for a master, any master?