The Early Stories, 1953-1975

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Gathering together almost all the short fiction that John Updike published between 1953 and 1975, this collection opens with Updike's autobiographical stories about a young boy growing up during the Depression in a small Pennsylvania town. There follows tales of life away from home, student days, early marriage and young families, and finally Updike's experimental stories on The Single Life'. Here, then, is a rich and satisfying feast of Updike his wit, his easy mastery of language, his genius for recalling the subtleties of ordinary life and the excitements, and perils, of the pursuit of happiness.

864 pages, Paperback

First published April 1,2003

Literary awards

About the author

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John Hoyer Updike was an American writer. Updike's most famous work is his Rabbit series (Rabbit, Run; Rabbit Redux; Rabbit Is Rich; Rabbit At Rest; and Rabbit Remembered). Rabbit is Rich and Rabbit at Rest both won Pulitzer Prizes for Updike. Describing his subject as "the American small town, Protestant middle class," Updike is well known for his careful craftsmanship and prolific writing, having published 22 novels and more than a dozen short story collections as well as poetry, literary criticism and children's books. Hundreds of his stories, reviews, and poems have appeared in The New Yorker since the 1950s. His works often explore sex, faith, and death, and their inter-relationships.

He died of lung cancer at age 76.

Community Reviews

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82 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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Via Updike's remarkable creativity, deep thoughtfulness, and profound knowledge of the life of midcentury elites in New England, he manages to remind us, in a way that is often both pointedly painful and yet filled with occasional soaring aspiration, what it truly means to be human. His ability to capture the essence of the human experience is truly remarkable.


In this book, Updike's creative mastery is on full, polarizing display. His writing is so vivid and engaging that it draws the reader in and forces them to confront the complex emotions and experiences of the characters. Whether it is the joys and sorrows of love, the struggles of family life, or the challenges of finding meaning in a rapidly changing world, Updike explores it all with a depth and sensitivity that is truly awe-inspiring.


Overall, this book is a testament to Updike's talent as a writer and his ability to create works that are both thought-provoking and deeply moving. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in exploring the human condition and understanding what it means to be alive in the modern world.

July 15,2025
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Proofread this with Sandy Brezinzski.

He spent a significant amount of time in the years before his death engaged in what could be described as "summing up."

Perhaps he was reflecting on his life's journey, the achievements and the setbacks.

Maybe he was trying to make sense of all that had happened, to find meaning and purpose in the events that had unfolded.

This process of "summing up" might have been a way for him to come to terms with his mortality, to find peace and acceptance as he faced the end of his life.

It could also have been a way for him to pass on his wisdom and experiences to those who would come after him, a final gift of knowledge and understanding.

Whatever the reason, it is clear that this activity was an important part of his final years.
July 15,2025
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Kind of hampered by being complete, Updike had his limitations. He missed about 1/3rd of the time, and his weakest pieces were almost invariably the experimental ones.

Updike was truly proficient in one particular type of story, yet he didn't fare too well outside of his comfort zone. However, within that one type, he was really outstanding. I have an unwavering love for his prose and his remarkable ability to breathe life into the tiniest of moments. I find myself saying the same thing every time I pen something about Updike. Everything he writes about seems to come alive with such authenticity that it evokes a feeling within me that I struggle to accurately describe, yet I cherish it deeply.

Granted, his subject matter could become a bit repetitive, especially towards the end of the 60s. For instance, a story that initially seems like it's going to be about a road trip turns out to be about an affair. Or a story that gives the impression of being about skiing is actually about an affair. Even when writing about extinct mammals, it's still about an affair. This is compounded by his outright (and often commented on) ineptitude at writing about sex. But despite these shortcomings, when everything else he does is so incredibly good, I can find it in my heart to forgive them forever.
July 15,2025
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So I'm kind of cheating.

It is an anthology of John Updike stories, and to be honest, I have not read all of them.

However, I have read at least half of the stories in this anthology.

And I must say, I loved almost every single one of them.

John Updike's writing is truly remarkable.

His stories are filled with vivid characters, complex emotions, and thought-provoking themes.

Each story takes the reader on a unique journey, exploring different aspects of human nature and the human experience.

Whether it's a story about love, loss, family, or friendship, Updike has a way of making the reader feel deeply connected to the characters and their struggles.

Even though I haven't read the entire anthology, I can already tell that it is a must-read for any fan of great literature.

I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys stories that are both engaging and meaningful.

July 15,2025
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I have the Swedish edition, which is a selection of about 15 of these collected short stories, and I read perhaps half of the book.

So I'm not reviewing the original which is up to 900 pages. Anyway, probably no one reads Updike today, but he is a master of the short form, and I have as a New Year's resolution to read some short story collections.

Mostly it's about the relationship between men and women and growing up. Nothing strange there.

Updike's writing is细腻 and evocative. He has a way of capturing the essence of human emotions and experiences in a few short paragraphs.

The stories in this collection are diverse, ranging from humorous to tragic, from light-hearted to profound.

Although some of the themes may seem outdated in today's society, the underlying emotions and conflicts are still relevant.

Overall, I found this collection of short stories to be an enjoyable read, and I look forward to reading more of Updike's work in the future.
July 15,2025
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I would like to express my sincere gratitude to John Updike for the Maples.

As I delve into the stories, I feel a sense of naughtiness as I am able to look so unashamedly into the private lives of two people.

Updike lays out a marriage in great detail, presenting it in a rich and profound way.

His astute observations on love, marriage, and religion are truly thought-provoking. They have the power to make anyone reflect on their own life and belief systems.

Among his works, "Pigeon Feathers" holds a special place in my heart as it is a personal favorite.

It is through Updike's masterful writing that we are able to gain such deep insights into the human experience.

His words have the ability to touch our souls and make us question the very essence of our existence.

For this, I will always be grateful to him.

July 15,2025
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I clicked the "I'm finished" button on this, but in reality, I didn't actually finish the book.

After some consideration, I came to the conclusion that I don't enjoy John Updike THAT MUCH.

This large book managed to bore me to tears.

I'm certain that he is a great writer, with his own unique style and charm.

However, for this particular reader, having this many stories in one volume was simply overwhelming.

The sheer quantity of content made it difficult for me to stay engaged and interested throughout.

Perhaps if the book had been more concise or focused on a smaller number of stories, I might have had a different experience.

As it stands, though, I have to admit that I was disappointed.

I had high expectations going into this, but unfortunately, it just didn't live up to them.

Maybe I'll give John Updike another chance in the future, but for now, I think I'll move on to something else.
July 15,2025
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**Title: The Significance of Learning English**

In today's globalized world, learning English has become of utmost importance.

English is widely regarded as the international language of communication, facilitating interactions among people from different countries and cultures.

It serves as a key to accessing a vast amount of knowledge and information available in various fields such as science, technology, business, and education.

By mastering English, individuals can enhance their career prospects and open doors to numerous opportunities both domestically and internationally.

Moreover, learning English allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures, as it provides access to a rich body of literature, music, and films from around the world.

It also helps in developing cross-cultural communication skills, which are essential in today's diverse and interconnected society.

In conclusion, the importance of learning English cannot be overstated, and it is a valuable investment for anyone looking to succeed in the modern world.
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