One of the two books that I have unfortunately failed to complete reading. The narrative within this book was frustratingly similar to Jackson Pollack paintings. It was overly scholarly and made for a tedious reading experience. It was filled with boring intellectual narcissistic rants that seemed to go on and on.

It was as if the author was more interested in showing off their own knowledge and intelligence rather than presenting a story or ideas in an engaging and accessible way. The dense language and convoluted arguments made it difficult to follow and understand.

Despite my best efforts, I simply could not bring myself to continue reading. It was a disappointment, as I had initially hoped to gain some valuable insights from this book. However, it just goes to show that not all books are created equal, and sometimes, it's okay to put a book down and move on to something more enjoyable.

Saul Bellow was a renowned novelist and one of the classic 'Chicago' writers. His works, such as "Henderson the Rain King" and "The Adventures of Augie March", are known for their ability to surprise readers with unexpected plot twists and true-to-life storytelling.

In "Humboldt's Gift", readers are introduced to a cast of memorable characters, including the post-success poet Humboldt, who is killed off early in the book, leaving his 'gift' as a mystery. The main character, Charlie Citrine, is a literary figure who is influenced by the city of Chicago and a variety of other characters, such as his mistress Renata, his colleague Traxter, and his dying brother Julius.

While the book contains some new-agey elements that may not appeal to all readers, it also explores important themes such as the strangeness of life and death, and the human condition. Overall, "Humboldt's Gift" is an intellectual and literary novel that offers a complex and engaging look at the human experience. It is a masterpiece that showcases Bellow's talent as a writer, despite his personal flaws.

If you're a fan of Jonathan Franzen or other literary novelists, you may enjoy reading Saul Bellow's works. His writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking, and his characters are some of the most memorable in modern literature. So why not give him a try and see for yourself what all the fuss is about?

This remarkable book, penned by Saul Bellow, achieved a significant milestone as it won the Pulitzer Prize in 1976. The protagonist, Charlie Citrine, is a highly successful writer. However, at this point in his life, he is遭遇了一些艰难的时期。 His mentor, Von Humboldt Fleischer, a renowned poet, has recently passed away. But before his demise, he has left Charlie a mysterious gift. To discover what this gift is, one must embark on the journey of reading this captivating book. The story delves deep into the complex web of relationships and explores the concept of doing the right thing, even when one is fully aware that it might come at a great cost. I found myself completely engrossed in this book from start to finish. It presented a thought-provoking narrative that kept me on the edge of my seat. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this literary masterpiece and would毫不犹豫地give it a well-deserved 4 stars.

5+++ stars!

This is an article that truly deserves such a high rating. It contains valuable information and engaging content that keeps the readers hooked from start to finish.

The author has done an excellent job of presenting the ideas in a clear and concise manner. The language used is simple yet effective, making it accessible to a wide range of audiences.

Moreover, the article is well-structured, with a logical flow of thoughts and a conclusion that ties everything together. The examples and illustrations provided further enhance the understanding of the concepts discussed.

Overall, this is a top-notch article that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for interesting and informative reading material. It is definitely worth more than 5 stars!

There were times when I would firmly state that this would deserve 5 stars, and yet there were other moments when I felt an urge to "put it down". However, I'm truly glad that I managed to finish it. It is indeed an interesting story, albeit a bit of a meandering one.

In my mind, it contains elements similar to those found in Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. At times, it also reminds me a little of The Great Gatsby. And throughout, there is always a touch of Woody Allen's style. I hope this makes sense to you. Saul doesn't hold back or use flowery language. He tells you precisely what you need to know, and in other instances, provides details that help to paint a more complete picture.

This unique combination of qualities makes the story both engaging and thought-provoking. It keeps you on your toes, never quite sure what to expect next. It's a journey that you won't soon forget.

I think I'm too young, too female, and not white enough to enjoy this book.

Maybe it's because of my age that I don't fully understand the depth and complexity of the story. The experiences and emotions described in the book seem foreign to me.

Also, being female might have influenced my perception. The male perspective dominant in the book makes it difficult for me to identify with the characters and their actions.

Moreover, not being white creates an additional barrier. The cultural references and background in the book are often specific to a white audience, leaving me feeling like an outsider.

However, I'm not giving up on the book. I'm going to try to look beyond these initial impressions and find the value and meaning that it holds. Maybe with an open mind and a willingness to learn, I can still appreciate this book for what it is.

This book is truly a slog.

The initial 100 pages or so, which revolve around the fictional poet, Van Humboldt Fleisher, based on the real-life poet Delmore Schwartz, offer an enjoyable read. However, those 100 pages seem like a distant memory, and upon just finishing this book, I am completely worn out.

Bellow has filled his story with numerous obnoxious characters. These are not the multifaceted, questionable, or outright rotten characters who are worthy of being in fiction. Instead, they are characters that one simply does not want to spend time with because their main personality trait is their obnoxiousness. The worst offender among these characters is the minor gangster, Rinaldo Cantabile. Even after he is arrested and the reader thinks they are finally rid of him, he reappears.

The protagonist, Charlie Citrine, a highly successful writer, is also annoying, but more likable than his brother, his girlfriend, and many other minor characters who come and go, as I'm sure Bellow intended. Bellow was well into his own successful writing career when this book won him the Pulitzer and later the Nobel Prize for literature in the same year. I'm not entirely sure how that came to be.

There are two graves left.

You wouldn't want to buy mine, would you? I'm not going to lie around. I'm having myself cremated. I need action. I'd rather go into the atmosphere. Look for me in the weather reports.

Moreover, I was convinced that there was nothing in the material world to account for the more delicate desires and perceptions of human beings.

I met to write a full review, but too much time has passed to write a good one. This is just a book about an author who fears culture and arts are dead. He surrounds himself with philistines because academia and the publishing world have failed him. He no longer finds solace in his literary awards. He has issues with his ex-wife. He lives in a gritty side of Chicago in the 1970s, back when cities were dangerous and white flight was in full effect. Nowadays, many cities are becoming culture hubs. Lofts and art studios are popping up along with higher rent as white flight offspring opt to stay in the city after college and live bohemian lives. The trouble is most of them wouldn't know great literature or culture if it bit them on their tight vintage brand jeaned ass. Furthermore, they're much too sarcastic to ever be genuine. Fuck'm. Bellow never intended for them to read his books anyway. They can have their shitty graphic hipster novels and "On the Road" recycled lit.

IT took me a month to read this! But it took me two years and three tries to read Bellow’s The Adventures of Augie March, so that’s progress, right? I think I am a better reader now compared to when I was attempting Augie March. I have more patience to try and understand the author’s intent, even when I am less than enamored with the work itself.

This was a sort of picaresque novel even though the protagonist is pushing 60. I guess I expect a picaresque hero to be young. Published in 1975 this book positively reeked of the Me Decade, the dress, the lingo, the casual sexism, the casual racism, and the interest in esoteric ideas and philosophies.

It took me a while to cop on that this book is meant to be funny. Like Augie March, this is a mix of Chicago nostalgia and deep intellectual thought on a variety of subjects, but maybe most specifically the philosophy of Rudolf Steiner.

About 1/3 of the book is a nutty story about a man who is haunted by the recent death of his onetime mentor, the poet Von Humboldt Fleisher. All Charlie Citrine wants to do is ruminate on life after death and other big questions, but his friends and his enemies won’t let him. Charlie is a Pulitzer-winning writer whose winning streak is on the wane. His ex-wife is suing him, his friends and family exploit him, his girlfriend is trying to marry him, his lawyers and accountants soak him and a small-town hood is trying to shake him down over a gambling debt. It reminded me a bit of Murdoch’s Under the Net in its absurd cast of characters and plot. The remaining 2/3 of the book is Bellow’s deep thoughts as uttered by the beleaguered Charlie.

I wonder if it had ever been optioned as a film? I would cast Julie Newmar as the gold-digging girlfriend Renate and Abe Vigoda as the mortuary tycoon Flonzaley. Zero Mostel would have to have a role somewhere if only because he was in every 1970’s ensemble piece it seem; there are plenty of possibilities for a man of his talents in the novel; it is chock full of outsized characters. For Charlie aka Saul Bellow I had trouble. Michael Douglas would work, but he was too young in 1975. Think Michael Douglas in Wonder Boys. The star making role would go to whoever played brash, obnoxious, scene stealing small-town hood Ronald Cantabile.

This book, while initially a bit of a struggle to get into, ultimately proved to be a fascinating read. The combination of a somewhat chaotic plot and Bellow's profound insights into various aspects of life and philosophy made it a unique and engaging experience. The vividly drawn characters added to the charm, with each one bringing something different to the story. I found myself constantly entertained and also challenged to think about deeper issues. It's the kind of book that makes you appreciate the power of literature to both amuse and enlighten.

Overall, I'm glad I persevered with this book. It may not be a perfect masterpiece, but it has its own charm and value. I would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good read that combines humor, drama, and intellectual depth. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the final page.

The Pulitzer Prize is highly deserved... Rinaldo Cantabile is one of the funniest characters ever created. In our language, Citrine is De Filippo and Cantabile is Totò.

These two great figures have left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. De Filippo's works are known for their sharp social satire and humorous portrayal of everyday life. His characters are vivid and full of personality, making people laugh while also reflecting on the deeper meaning of life.

Totò, on the other hand, is a master of physical comedy. His unique acting style and exaggerated expressions have made him a beloved figure around the world. Cantabile, in particular, is a classic character that has entertained audiences for decades.

Together, De Filippo and Totò have created a body of work that will be remembered for generations to come. Their contributions to the world of comedy have brought joy and laughter to countless people, and their legacy will continue to inspire new generations of comedians.

4.5 stars.

This is a humorous, entertaining, clever, and memorable novel that is extremely well-written. It centers around the famous 60-year-old author, Charlie Citrine. Currently, Charlie is experiencing a highly eventful mid-life crisis. His wife, Denise, is divorcing him, which is causing him a great deal of stress. Additionally, the gangster, Mr Cantabile, is adding to his grief. Meanwhile, Charlie's mistress, Renata, is playing games with him, and he finds himself wondering if he might actually want to marry her. Charlie also has a number of hangers-on who are constantly trying to take advantage of him for what he's worth.

Adding to the complexity of the story, Humboldt, a famous author and friend of Charlie's, passes away, leaving him a gift. The characters in this novel are all very well-developed and have real personalities, each with their own distinct flaws. It's truly a captivating read that I highly recommend.

The author's writing style is also quite remarkable. For example, consider this quote: "Boredom is an instrument of social control. Power is the power to impose boredom, to command stasis, to combine this stasis with anguish. The real tedium, deep tedium, is seasoned with terror and with death."

Another great exchange is when Humboldt says to Citrine, "Do you think he's a good critic?" and Citrine replies, "Can the deaf tune pianos?" (Page 122, Penguin Book edition).

Citrine also states, "Since Denise went on the warpath I've seen plenty of business. You fixed me up with Forrest Tomchek, one of the biggest names in this branch of law. It was like laying a speck of confetti in front of a jumbo vacuum cleaner." (Page 207, Penguin Book edition). These snippets of dialogue truly bring the story to life and showcase the author's talent.

A most pleasant reading: the intelligence and shrewdness of a top-notch Saul Bellow allow one to willingly accept, in this novel, the prolixity that is sometimes disturbing.

In the wake of Von Humboldt Fleisher, a brilliant poet and thinker who has turned into a "failed pyrotechnician" over time - mainly because of "a rather stronger madness" of his -, Charlie Citrine is the "new promise": he soon writes a successful comedy, but then obsessively thinks about a fundamental work for mankind, a "masterful essay on boredom", and also meditates abundantly, obsessively, on the "supreme question, death". However, he also has to deal with the practical matters of daily life, and is repeatedly overcome by them: as is known, often "while timid wisdom hesitates to reflect, audacious ignorance has already accomplished the work" (words of Samuel Daniel). Thus, for example, the fascinating Renata - the most interesting practical aspect - leaves in style, tired of too many waverings and too many vaporous words; "you are like a mandolin player, you pluck each note ten times", she had warned him, and then got definitively bored (here it is, palpable and burning, the fateful boredom): because "one does not waste years and years trying to free oneself in some idiotic way from the human condition". Charlie thinks too much - daydreams, sometimes - and also has too tender a heart: two excesses not very compatible with concrete life, often unprincipled of those around him. And yet, among the many, there is also someone who loves him: in his own way, especially his brother Julius; and there is someone who, like Humboldt, forgetting an unmotivated grudge and returning to the old affection, remembered him before dying: with the last gift.