Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 100 votes)
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100 reviews
July 15,2025
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I only have read Rabbit Redux, which I purchased for a mere 50 cents at the local thrift store. However, it turned out to be the worst 50 cents I have ever spent.


The story failed to engage me from the very beginning. The characters seemed flat and uninteresting, lacking any depth or complexity that would have made me care about their fates. The plot was also rather dull and predictable, with nothing to keep me on the edge of my seat or make me eager to turn the page.


Moreover, the writing style was not to my taste. It felt overly wordy and convoluted at times, making it difficult for me to follow the narrative. I found myself constantly having to re-read passages to try and understand what the author was trying to say.


In conclusion, Rabbit Redux was a huge disappointment for me. I would not recommend this book to anyone, especially not for 50 cents. There are far better books out there that are worth your time and money.
July 15,2025
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I have read the first three installments of the four Rabbit novels.

Rabbit Run and Rabbit Redux truly captivated me, but Rabbit is Rich, in my opinion, was the least engaging.

It appeared to fixate on never-ending descriptions of the breasts of Rabbit's friend's wives as they emerged from the pool at the country club.

I haven't yet gotten around to reading the fourth book.

I've noticed that each book tended to have a bit of a lull in the middle, and then, towards the end, Updike would introduce a gut-wrenching tragedy.

The prose and descriptions, however, are absolutely fantastic.

I particularly vividly remember the description of Ruth's laugh - it was like quarters being dropped on the pavement.

It was such a unique and memorable way to describe a laugh, and it really added to the overall atmosphere and character development in the story.

Despite the flaws I've mentioned, I still highly recommend these novels for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and well-written literature.
July 15,2025
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Despite spending nearly two months of my life to complete them, I truly relished these books. I feel as if I came to know Rabbit extremely well. As his life unfolded over the decades, he became almost like an old friend, despite not being a nice person at all and a complete chauvinist. However, how real he and the other characters are! As others have already noted, none of the characters are very likable (including the insufferable son Nelson, what a waste of space). But still, you have the urge to keep reading and discover what happens to them. I only skipped a few pages in the second book - the Skeeter and Jill last bit - as I found the story a bit too focused on drugs and preaching. Overall, I wholeheartedly recommend the Rabbit books, especially the first and last ones which, in my opinion, are the best.

July 15,2025
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My reading of this series has closely paralleled my passage through the various stages of life.

It's truly remarkable how Updike was able to articulate with such clarity my growing realization of the inevitable march towards old age. His words seemed to capture the essence of my own experiences and emotions.

Moreover, through Rabbit's ride, great wisdom is imparted. The vivid images that Updike creates linger in my mind and serve as a constant reminder of my own journey through life.

LB 2012. Each time I pick up one of these books, it's like embarking on a new adventure, one that allows me to reflect on my past, present, and future. The Rabbit series has become an integral part of my life, and I'm grateful for the insights and perspectives that Updike has shared with us through his masterful storytelling.
July 15,2025
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There are actually five Rabbit books.

The fifth one, a novella titled Rabbit Remembered, is included in the volume of stories called Licks of Love.

The Rabbit books are not only about Rabbit himself but also about America, specifically middle America from the mid-century to the end of the 20th century.

Everything can be found in these books, every war, the movies, the styles, the politicians, the economic ups and downs, racial issues, and so on.

Reading the Rabbit books is like reading an American chronicle.

The sense of place, which is small town America, is as much a character as Rabbit.

Updike is, of course, one of our finest wordsmiths.

Although you may not like Rabbit, or anyone else for that matter, you can still care about him.

These books offer a comprehensive and detailed look at a particular time and place in American history, through the eyes and experiences of Rabbit.

They are a rich and engaging read that can provide insights into the social, cultural, and political landscape of the United States during that period.

Whether you are interested in American history, literature, or simply a good story, the Rabbit books are well worth reading.

July 15,2025
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Who doesn't like Updike's Rabbit novels? I, for one, absolutely love them.

It's the second time I have delved into this remarkable group of novels, and to be honest, I found myself enjoying them even more than the last time.

The protagonist in these novels makes choices that can make you cringe and brings a great deal of heartache to those around him. However, there is something about him that makes him likable at the same time.

He is a complex and flawed character, which makes him all the more relatable.

If you're a middle-aged male, I highly recommend reading these novels. They have a way of making you feel better about your own pathetic life.

You'll realize that you're not alone in your struggles and that there is always hope for something better.

Updike's writing is masterful, and his ability to create such vivid and memorable characters is truly remarkable.

These novels are not just about entertainment; they are about exploring the human condition and the choices we make in life.

So, if you haven't read Updike's Rabbit novels yet, what are you waiting for?
July 15,2025
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Being a Chinese rabbit, I can tell you with certainty that these books are not in the least bit about rabbits. Instead, they offer yet another perspective on modern American family life in the postmodern era. I must admit that I'm really not an Updike fan. However, it cannot be denied that his works do make me think deeply. His writing style is unique, and the stories he weaves are full of complexity and nuance. Through his vivid descriptions and well-developed characters, he presents a realistic portrayal of the joys and sorrows, the hopes and disappointments of American families. It is this ability to make the reader reflect on the human condition that makes his books worth reading.

July 15,2025
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A work without equal!

Pound for pound, sentence by sentence, this is the best prose writer I've ever had the pleasure of encountering.

Rabbit might not be to everyone's taste. He is coarse and awkwardly human, but the reality of his life, as vividly evoked through this masterful fiction with its hypnotic prose style, is truly captivating.

The story is littered with the detritus of the late twentieth century, making it a rich and detailed exploration of that era.

I'm so glad to have obtained a copy of all four novels in one big book. It has accompanied me throughout this past month, serving as both a substantial brick and a would-be Bible.

I have returned to it faithfully, and it has always entertained me, providing a wonderful escape into the world of Rabbit and his experiences.

It's a work that I will surely cherish and revisit again and again.
July 15,2025
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Wonderful warts-and-all chronicle of middle class suburban life!

It is like one man's dyspeptic pilgrim's progress through the last decades of the 20th century.

The Rabbit Angstrom novels are truly Updike's greatest legacy.

These novels vividly描绘了middle class suburban life with all its flaws and beauty.

We follow the journey of Rabbit Angstrom as he navigates through the challenges and joys of life.

Updike's writing is细腻 and profound, allowing us to深入了解the characters and their emotions.

The Rabbit Angstrom novels are not only a reflection of a specific time and place but also a universal exploration of the human condition.

They have stood the test of time and continue to be relevant and engaging today.

Updike's greatest legacy lies in his ability to create a rich and detailed world that we can all relate to.

The Rabbit Angstrom novels are a must-read for anyone interested in literature and the human experience.

July 15,2025
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One of my best Christmas gifts from last year was a set of John Updike's "Rabbit" series.

I raced through "Rabbit Run" (which was truly fantastic) and then "Rabbit Redux" (really great as well). However, when I got to "Rabbit Is Rich", I hit a wall. The character of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom in this book, or as I like to call him, "Homedude", was just too American for my taste. His values and lifestyle seemed so foreign and at times, a bit off-putting.

So, I decided to take a hiatus before I tackle "Rabbit at Rest". I need some time to process and understand the previous books better, and also to try and get into the mindset of the American culture and society that Updike so vividly portrays in these novels. I'm sure that when I do pick up "Rabbit at Rest", I'll be able to appreciate it more fully and continue my journey with Rabbit.
July 15,2025
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My Favourite Novel Series


I have a great passion for reading, and among all the novels I have devoured, there is one series that stands out as my absolute favourite. It is a captivating and enchanting world that has drawn me in and refused to let go.


The characters in this series are so vividly brought to life that I feel as if I know them personally. Their struggles, joys, and growth throughout the story are both relatable and inspiring. The plot is filled with twists and turns that keep me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages to discover what will happen next.


Each book in the series builds upon the previous ones, creating a rich and detailed mythology that I can't get enough of. The author's writing style is engaging and descriptive, painting a vivid picture in my mind of the fantastical landscapes and thrilling adventures that the characters embark on.


In conclusion, this novel series has become an integral part of my life. It has provided me with countless hours of entertainment and has allowed me to escape into a world of magic and wonder. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good read.

July 15,2025
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Before commencing the exploration of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom's life, I perused a plethora of reviews regarding the first novel, "Rabbit, Run." Many readers openly expressed a profound aversion to the main character.


To all those who held a dislike or even hatred for Harry: You fail to recognize the essence of good literature when you encounter it!


Certainly, Harry is no paragon of heroism, yet he is not an anti-hero either. You may not have an affinity for him throughout the series, but neither can you despise him. He is merely an ordinary man who errs, with modest achievements, leading an exceedingly average existence. And, somewhat miraculously, John Updike manages to captivate your interest throughout the entire saga.


Updike is a genuine wordsmith, possessing a unique prowess in handling the English language. While these books will not rank among my absolute favorites, I did indeed relish the narrative of Harry's life, as told through four novels, each separated by approximately a decade in his life. I would wholeheartedly recommend these books to anyone intrigued by the story of an ordinary American man who evolves with age, mirroring the average times, people, and places in recent American history.

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