You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
jramm 's review for:
Henderson the Rain King
by Saul Bellow
This book is the story of Henderson's journey from a detached, self-loathing, trust-fund semi-retiree to an involved human being. His journey into the heart of Africa is extremely entertaining, and moving.
Henderson would seem a poor protagonist, entirely unsympathetic. I think he is a specimen of the modern, upper-middle class. He voices the emotion of most men in that station: the quest for career satisfaction, self-doubt about capabilities, an over-eagerness to engage superior forces, and the yearning for something more. Or maybe I just self-diagnosed. Anyway, what made Henderson a great character for me was that Bellow didn't convert him to a superstar. Henderson emerges with his personality intact, but with a better outlook on life.
Bellow's skill as a writer goes beyond great characters. He is brimming with insights, comical asides, and great prose.
Henderson would seem a poor protagonist, entirely unsympathetic. I think he is a specimen of the modern, upper-middle class. He voices the emotion of most men in that station: the quest for career satisfaction, self-doubt about capabilities, an over-eagerness to engage superior forces, and the yearning for something more. Or maybe I just self-diagnosed. Anyway, what made Henderson a great character for me was that Bellow didn't convert him to a superstar. Henderson emerges with his personality intact, but with a better outlook on life.
Bellow's skill as a writer goes beyond great characters. He is brimming with insights, comical asides, and great prose.