I have an intense affection for each and every one of these outstanding novels. Updike has faced accusations of being a misogynist. However, despite this, I don't hold that belief. His male-centered narrative is indeed powerful, almost to the extent of objectifying his female characters. But, in fact, Updike doesn't do that. Instead, he manages to express the great distances that can exist between two people who are also intimate with and for one another. Updike's consistent exploration of America over the decades is truly amazing.

Additionally, I really love the fact that Harry is a Phillies fan.

I highly recommend reading all of these novels. They offer a unique perspective on human relationships and the American experience. You will be captivated by Updike's masterful storytelling and the complex characters he creates. So, don't hesitate, pick up these novels and embark on a literary journey that you won't forget.

I read Rabbit Run in the 60s, likely mostly due to prurient reasons. The four novels included here - Rabbit Run, Rabbit Redux, Rabbit is Rich, Rabbit at Rest - along with a separately published novella sequel, Rabbit Remembered, were penned over 40 years. They follow Rabbit as he traverses his life in a small town in Pennsylvania, based on Shillington where Updike grew up.

At first, Rabbit Run seemed overwritten and under plotted. However, I persisted and was handsomely rewarded many times over. Each subsequent book is better than the last. Perhaps I simply adapted to his lush style. I came to cherish the long descriptive passages and would often reread them.

Although Rabbit is misogynistic and unlikable in many respects, I couldn't help but root for him. He is a captivating character, and I read nearly 2000 pages to discover what befalls him. There are so many exquisitely written lines, of which the following is just a small sampling:

“Dark youths thinking in languages of their own stare from the triangular stone porches of the old corner grocery stores.”

“Freedom, that he always thought was outward motion, turns out to be this inner dwindling.”

“On Earth, when you look up from being bored, things have changed, you’re that much closer to the grave, and that’s exciting.”

“From a certain angle the most terrifying thing in the world is your own life, the fact that it’s yours and nobody else’s.”

“...often on the highways Harry notices the dark swerves of rubber, the gouges of crippled metal left to mark where something unthinkable had suddenly happened to someone.”

“Grace Stuhl holds up a hand that when he takes it, to pull her up, feels like a set of worn stones in a sack of the finest driest paper, strangely warm.”

“What more can you ask of a wife in a way than that she stick around and see with you what happens next?”

“How can you respect the world when you see it’s being run by a bunch of kids turned old?”

“Maybe the dead are gods, there’s certainly something kind about them, the way they give you room.”

“Most of American life is driving somewhere and then driving back wondering why the hell you went.”

“Something tragic in matter itself, the way it keeps watch no matter how great our misery.”

The Rabbit novels by John Updike offer a remarkable and in-depth exploration.

They chronicle, critique, and eloquently appreciate the American white Protestant middle-class male, Rabbit Angstrom, and the rapidly changing culture around him in the last four decades of the 20th century.

From his irresponsible youth as a promising high school athlete and unprepared husband and father in Rabbit, Run, to his vulgar affluence, serial infidelity, and guilt as a car dealer in Rabbit Redux, and his angry bewilderment over the 1970s social upheaval in Rabbit Is Rich, Rabbit gamely attempts to keep up and be a good guy.

However, the world proves too much for him, and he staggers through literal and metaphorical heart failure before finally succumbing in Rabbit at Rest.

Updike examines three decades of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom's life, a typical American man grappling with responsibility and relationships. The novels address various issues such as sex, death, parenthood, and faith in the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s.

Rabbit, a former basketball star, was frustrated in his early marriage to Janice Springer and ran away from his responsibilities. After a strained relationship, they settled down to run an automobile sales business.

Harry achieved financial prosperity but was constantly plagued by frustrations with his son Nelson. His good life and disregard for his body led to serious heart trouble, which he ignored until it was fatal.

Janice, Harry's wife, was disillusioned with her marriage and an alcoholic. She was responsible for the death of their young daughter, an event that haunted them both.

After a brief affair, she became a devoted wife, mother, and eventually grandmother. In later years, she tried to help her son and save the family business.

Nelson, Harry's only son, was a troubled child affected by his parents' problems. He grew into a troubled adult, forced into an uncomfortable marriage.

His drug habit caused him to steal from the company, driving it to the brink of bankruptcy.

Paul Angstrom, from a dysfunctional family in Ohio, met Nelson at Kent State University, became pregnant, and persuaded him to marry her. They moved in with the Angstroms in Pennsylvania, and Pru gave Harry two grandchildren.

Last week, I was engrossed in an article by John Updike, and once again, I was astounded by the simplicity and clarity of his prose. This led me to reflect on his works that I have read, and the outcome is this post on the Rabbit series of novels.

The Rabbit tetralogy consists of four novels written by John Updike, chronicling the life of 'Harry Rabbit Angstrom' from his mid-20s to the next four decades. The novels were penned over a span of four decades, with one novel being published each decade starting from 1960. Updike has been a leading figure in描绘 the small-town American middle class, and his concerns mirror those of the average middle-class American, including marital life, affairs, the transition into middle age and coping with it, and the eventual descent into old age.

Although there may be differences in opinion regarding his best work, the Rabbit series无疑 comprises his most renowned books. Instead of focusing on one book, it would be more beneficial to provide information about the entire series to offer a clearer perspective to a potential reader. Therefore, this is going to be a rather extensive post.

Rabbit Run (1960) is the first novel in the series. As the story begins, we are introduced to Harry (Rabbit), who is in his mid-20s, married to a pregnant wife (Janice) and already has a son named Nelson. He was once a high school basketball star, but that glory is now in the past, and his moment of fame has passed. Now, he is an ordinary person trying to make ends meet. One day, he sees some kids playing basketball, and something snaps in him. He abandons his family and town and starts driving aimlessly. Later, he changes his mind and meets his old coach. While with him, he meets 'Ruth', a prostitute, and begins living with her. Meanwhile, Janice goes to her parents' place. A church minister attempts to reconcile Harry with his family, but to no avail. Eventually, Harry returns home after his wife gives birth to a girl. However, he pressures Janice to have sex with him, and when she refuses, he leaves again to be with Ruth. Tragically, Janice gets drunk due to the fight, and their newborn daughter drowns. Rabbit returns for the funeral but loses control again and runs into the woods. He then goes back (again) to Ruth and discovers that she is pregnant with his child. But he neither takes the step to leave Janice nor is he willing to live with Ruth. Rabbit runs one last time (in this novel), and the story ends here.

As we can see from the above, Rabbit is constantly on the run from one thing or another. He appears to be a loser, a weakling who cannot face situations and flees without considering the consequences. So, what makes this character and the entire series compelling enough to continue with the other novels? For one thing, it is the prose, the exquisite prose of Updike. Updike is被誉为 America's man of letters, and rightly so. His focus on the mundane and everyday life is so rich in prose and imagery that you cannot help but be drawn into it. (Although he can be overly flowery at times). And as the series progresses, the reader can witness the characters evolving, resulting in three-dimensional characters with their own strengths and weaknesses. The first few pages of this novel, where Updike describes a small American town, are truly remarkable. There is no description of the people, just the landscapes, buildings, and woods, which are so evocative that you immediately feel a connection to the story.

Rabbit Redux (1971) is the second novel in the series. Harry is now in his 30s, approaching middle age and trapped in a dull marriage and job. Janice, who was a relatively minor character in the first part, has developed significantly here. She is now working in her father's office and has had an affair with a co-worker and left him. True to form, Rabbit copes with this in his own way by shackling up with an afro-american veteran of the Vietnam War (Skeeter) and Jill, a runaway white girl. They live together with Nelson, who is now a young boy. Harry does not seem to care about the impact his lifestyle might have on Nelson (which becomes evident in the next novels). They lead a decadent lifestyle, debating about race (the 60s were a period of Martin Luther King and race riots in America), and doing drugs without a care. During one such orgy, a fire breaks out, killing Jill. There is no news of Skeeter. Finally, at the end, Harry starts living with Janice again, and the novel concludes.

One might ask again what is so great about this part of the novel. Adultery, a decadent lifestyle - what is there for the reader? Rabbit does not seem to be a much better person either, so why continue with the series? Well, for one thing, well-defined morally upright characters are not a prerequisite for good literature (where would Madame Bovary be if this rule were applied). Another aspect is the detailing that Updike invests in these characters and their actions, which reveals a different side of them. Let's consider what happens when Rabbit discovers his wife's affair. There have been rumors, but he has not given it much thought. When Janice admits it, what occurs? There are no angry arguments, tears, or blame games. He slaps her, and they have sex. There is nothing erotic about it; it is just two people for whom the tension they have been under for the past weeks or months is now over, as the truth has come out, and sex is simply an outlet for the emotions涌现. It is moments like these that elevate the novel.

In my personal opinion, the first two parts of the series are probably the best. However, the next two were the ones that were awarded the Pulitzer Prize. Well, there is no accounting for taste, right? BTW, I think Updike is the only person to have received two Pulitzers for fiction. (Not 100% sure).

Rabbit is Rich (1981) - Rabbit is not really rich. Janice has inherited her father's automobile dealership and has become a more mature and confident person. However, she has also developed a drinking habit, which concerns Harry. Nelson is now grown up and has his own problems. (It is implied that these could be due to what he witnessed and experienced as a child, as mentioned in the first few parts). Harry is becoming conscious of middle age and the loss of his libido. Rabbit and Janice go to a resort with three other couples and engage in wife swapping. Here too, Updike does not do anything for titillation but reflects the sexual freedom that emerged in the 60s and 70s, overriding the moral norms of the previous decades. It also serves as an attempt by Rabbit to reassert his libido and desirability to women. We see a man who has reached a position of relative prosperity (even though it is his wife who owns the dealership) but is still not satisfied with what he has and is worried about falling into the abyss of middle age. He starts thinking about Ruth (from the first part) and wonders what happened to her and the child. Nothing is actually resolved in this part, and personally, it seems to be a setup for the final part. Updike's prose, however, is as good as ever and incisive in deciphering the minds of the various characters. Rabbit's relationship with Ronnie, a former school basketball classmate, comes into focus here. Ronnie was a minor character in the first part but has also done well in life and is part of the circle that Harry moves in. Harry has always been the star of the basketball team, and Ronnie resents him for that, which is understandable. But Harry also seems to have a grudge against him, perhaps a sneaking suspicion that Ronnie was the better player. Harry has an affair with Ronnie's wife, although it is not something he truly desires. (He desires the much younger wife of a person who is also his club member and is disappointed when he does not get her during the wife swapping).

Rabbit At Rest (1990) - Harry is old, overweight, and perpetually gloomy. Nelson has married Pru but has fallen into drug addiction and substance abuse. Rabbit spends a lot of time with his wife in Florida, while Nelson runs the business. However, Nelson messes up due to his addictions, and the dealership is lost. This affects Harry deeply. He has a heart attack. While in the hospital, Rabbit meets a woman who he thinks could be his daughter from Ruth. He travels to the place where the woman lives, thinking of meeting her and Ruth, but true to his character, he leaves the place without facing the facts. He never finds out if she was indeed his daughter. This is perhaps the best part of the novel, with Harry's thoughts on the woman, his indecision about whether to go to her home, and finally running away from the confrontation. Another poignant moment is the funeral of Ronnie's wife, where Ronnie confronts Harry about having an affair with his wife. At the end, both of them reach some sort of reconciliation, not out of affection or respect but perhaps because death is a great equalizer, and beyond that, there is no value in recriminations or long-held misunderstandings. It is a symbol of the old age they are in, where most things that seemed important earlier now seem trivial. But then Harry messes up again. In a moment of insanity, he has a one-night stand with Nelson's wife, Pru. Janice and Nelson find out about it. Harry runs again (for the last time) to Florida. There, in a cyclical turn of events, he plays a one-on-one basketball game with a young man and suffers a heart attack. He is admitted to the hospital, where Janice and Nelson see him. The cycle has come full circle.

It has always intrigued me that Updike wrote this novel over four decades, so that as the characters aged, the author too aged. Now, I wonder how the novel would have been if it had been written as a single volume covering the same 40-year period. For one thing, it would have had to be set in the 20s and end in the 50s. Updike surely could not have incorporated the essence of each decade that it represents firsthand (such as race relations in the 60s and more sexual freedom in the 70s). Would it have been better if it had been written as a single volume, or does the change and evolution in perspective that the author (or anyone for that matter) undergoes enhance what he writes? But whatever the case may be, this is an outstanding series that is best read together. Reading one at a time would not do justice to its content. However, if you are new to Updike and hesitant to embark on four books of an author right away, you could start with his short stories to get an idea of his works, themes, and concerns. If you have already read some of his works and liked them, then this series is definitely for you.

P.S - The novels are available as a single omnibus collection (at least the first three are), so buying them in that format makes sense both financially and in terms of reducing the hassle of having four different books. So, if you plan to purchase this series, go for the omnibus edition.

Absolutely wonderful!!!

What a luxury it is to be able to read the entire saga of Rabbit Angstrom from beginning to end. And that's precisely how I read it.

Everybody I knew said that I had a book stuffed in my face throughout the entire summer of 2005. It was truly an amazing experience.

The story of Rabbit Angstrom was so captivating that I couldn't put the book down. I was completely immersed in his world, following his every move and emotion.

That summer of 2005 will always be remembered as the best summer I ever spent. It was a time of pure joy and escape, lost in the pages of this remarkable book.

I can't wait to revisit the story of Rabbit Angstrom again and again, and share it with others who may not have discovered this literary gem yet.

It's a book that has left a lasting impression on me and will continue to do so for years to come.

After delving into these four remarkable books, my admiration for John Updike knows no bounds.

His absolute command of the written word is palpable in every single sentence of these novels. The complexity and depth with which each character is crafted are truly astonishing. It's as if I have been invited into their lives and have come to know them on an intimate level.

After spending a total of 1,516 pages journeying with Rabbit, experiencing his countless highs and lows right along with him, when I finally closed the book, I found myself overcome with emotion and crying like a helpless baby.

These novels are nothing short of a literary masterpiece, a testament to Updike's extraordinary talent and his ability to create worlds and characters that resonate deeply within the hearts and minds of readers.

They will surely stand the test of time and continue to be cherished by generations to come.

This epic of four novels creates a painfully real adventure that spans a significant portion of the life of Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom.

Despite being a work of fiction, Updike's writing makes it seem as if you have known this man for a long time. He delves deeply into the desires and perceptions of each character, with a particular focus on Rabbit. By doing so, he uncovers their most closely guarded secrets, which are likely to resonate with many of your own experiences.

Updike doesn't aim to take you on an implausible journey. Instead, he makes the challenges of ordinary American life appear both heroic and tragic. His detailed exploration of Rabbit's life allows readers to witness the character's growth, struggles, and ultimately, his search for meaning and fulfillment.

Overall, the "Rabbit" series is a powerful and thought-provoking work that offers a unique perspective on the human condition.

The first book took a little time to get into.

However, once I was hooked, I was completely captivated by Rabbit's story.

Even though I was sometimes frustrated with him as a man, I couldn't help but be drawn in by how his life was inextricably tied into the societal trends of his time.

It was truly the most in-depth exploration of a character's psyche throughout his life that I have ever seen.

The author did an amazing job of delving into Rabbit's thoughts, feelings, and motivations, making him a complex and multi-dimensional character.

As I read, I found myself constantly reflecting on how Rabbit's experiences and decisions were influenced by the world around him.

It was a thought-provoking and engaging read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in character-driven novels.

The best series of books I have ever read in my life is truly remarkable. It had such a profound impact on me.

Interestingly, I had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet John Updike in Memphis. He graciously read from this very series at the University of Memphis.

That encounter was truly memorable. John Updike was a brilliant and witty man. His quick wit and humor were evident as he engaged with the audience.

It was a privilege to be in his presence and listen to his words. Sadly, less than a year later, he passed away.

But his work and the memories of that day will always stay with me.

Good writing is not enough.

Merely having the ability to pen down words in a grammatically correct and somewhat engaging manner does not guarantee success in the literary or communication realm.

A truly outstanding piece of writing requires much more than just good grammar and a pleasant flow. It demands a deep understanding of the subject matter, the ability to connect with the audience on an emotional level, and the creativity to present ideas in a unique and captivating way.

Moreover, good writing should also be able to convey a clear message and have a purpose. It should not just be a random collection of words but a well-structured and thought-out piece that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

In conclusion, while good writing is an important foundation, it is not sufficient on its own. To truly excel in the world of writing, one must continuously strive to improve and develop other aspects of their craft.

I vividly remember reading ALL these books when I was a rather pretentious junior high girl. Back then, I had a voracious appetite for reading age-inappropriate novels. It was a phase that defined a part of my younger self. But whatever happened to that person?

If I had continued to read with such abandon and enthusiasm, perhaps I would be much cleverer now. However, life has its own twists and turns, and I didn't quite keep up at that pace.

Still, I must admit that Updike has been a significant influence on my understanding. I consider him to be the source of much of my conception of the male mindset. Maybe that's why I often find myself being cynical and pessimistic. But then again, these traits might also have been shaped by other experiences in my life.

Well, I finally completed the first book in this tetralogy, "Rabbit, Run." It wasn't an effortless read for several reasons.

Firstly, there were numerous sections written in a stream-of-consciousness style, demanding particular concentration. But more significantly, the subject matter was far from agreeable. Human weaknesses and flaws are exposed with brutal, unwavering clarity. Updike reveals to us the worst aspects of human nature.

The title of the book exemplifies the theme that persists throughout, namely Rabbit's inclination to flee from conflict and difficult relationships, whether with his wife, parents, in-laws, or anyone else for that matter. This inclination, when acted upon, leads to devastating, tragic consequences, such as the accidental drowning death of his daughter as a result of his wife drinking herself into a stupor after one of his departures. This part of the book was especially disturbing and challenging for me to endure.

I'm not yet certain if I'll take a break or proceed with the next book in the series, "Rabbit Redux."

So, I've finally gotten around to reading the second book in the series, "Rabbit Redux." Updike truly loves to venture into stream-of-consciousness, relating seemingly unrelated, sometimes nonsensical things. And the hero, Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, evolves more and more into a despicable human being. I can pardon transgressions as we all make mistakes, but when it involves children, a line is crossed. The things Harry did in front of his son, Nelson, were truly degenerate, harmful, and unforgivable. The worst monsters in this world are those who harm a child. And when it's your own child? Not to mention indirectly causing the death of a young girl effectively entrusted to his care. It was very difficult to read. But somehow, I slogged through the filth. I think it's essential to have some connection with the hero of a novel; there must be something in common to maintain interest... I'm not sure how I'll keep reading, but I'll give it a try. There are certain themes Updike wants us to view through the eyes of Rabbit, such as race relations, sexual relations, family relations, and he uses symbols and events like the Moon Landing and "2001: A Space Odyssey," and the Vietnam War to illustrate and contrast these themes. Updike is very fond of using such symbols.

Next in line - "Rabbit is Rich."

Ok - I just finished "Rabbit is Rich." It's as if I'm in the home stretch now and I'm sprinting towards the finish. I just noticed that I added this book in February 2009 - I've been reading it for over a year! Well, "Rabbit is Rich" is like a car crash - ugly and horrifying but impossible to look away from. Nelson, Harry's (Rabbit's) son, is a young adult now, and we see the consequences of his father's upbringing and influence - Nelson is a rotten little bastard, a sniveling, whining coward who (perhaps) deliberately pushes his pregnant wife down a flight of stairs. Nelson is definitely his father's son. I know we all have a bit of rottenness within us, but the Angstroms are filled to the brim...

Next up - "Rabbit at Rest."

Dear, sweet Lord, I finally finished it! I must say, completing this book became like a project for me, and after finishing a passage, I would feel drained - it took an emotional toll... The betrayals and the hurt inflicted in this family, mostly by Rabbit, were shocking - and yet, at the end, there was a sense of sadness and loss. I hope his family can overcome... :)