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Falconer

john cheever

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1977. First Edition. 211 pages. Blue dust jacket over black cloth. Ex-Libris plate stuck to front pastedown. Binding remains firm. Pages are lightly tanned throughout. Previous owner's inscription to front free endpaper. Boards have light shelf-wear with corner bumping. Very slight crushing to spine ends. Unclipped jacket has light edgewear with tears and creasing. Light tanning to spine and edges.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1977
Literary awards
national book critics circle award, 

This edition

Format
224 pages, Hardcover
Published
July 7, 1977 by Knopf
ISBN
9780224014014
ASIN
0224014013
Language
English
Characters More characters

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About the author

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john cheever

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John Cheever was an American novelist and short story writer, sometimes called "the Chekhov of the suburbs" or "the Ovid of Ossining." His fiction is mostly set in the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the suburbs of Westchester, New York, and old New England villages based on various South Shore towns around Quincy, Massachusetts, where he was born.

His main themes include the duality of human nature: sometimes dramatized as the disparity between a character's decorous social persona and inner corruption, and sometimes as a conflict between two characters (often brothers) who embody the salient aspects of both--light and dark, flesh and spirit. Many of his works also express a nostalgia for a vanishing way of life, characterized by abiding cultural traditions and a profound sense of community, as opposed to the alienating nomadism of modern suburbia.

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Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 100 votes)
5 stars
28(28%)
4 stars
33(33%)
3 stars
39(39%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
100 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
venusinfleursx
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This was my very first encounter with the works of John Cheever, who is renowned for his tales that vividly depict the ennui plaguing the suburbs.

This particular book pushes this theme to the extreme. It presents a first-person narrative of a professor, Ezekiel "Zeke" Farragut, who finds himself incarcerated, convicted of murdering his brother.

Inside the prison, Zeke endeavors to hold onto his humanity. Surprisingly, he even engages in an affair with one of the other inmates.

What stands out most is the manner in which he discovers what truly matters in life by losing everything.

It is in this process of being stripped down to his very essence that Farragut becomes truly compelling. This is the crucial element that makes this book a worthwhile read, as it offers a profound exploration of the human condition in the face of extreme circumstances.

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Shioxus
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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While I truly relished Cheever's writing, considering it as a remarkable entity in itself, the subject matter of this specific work might be a touch "excessive" for those who are more reserved, conservative, or thematically sensitive readers. It could also be regarded as somewhat inappropriate in terms of age for individuals under 16 - 18. Cheever delves into some fascinating aspects of institutional imprisonment, drug abuse, psychology, homosexuality, and violence in such a manner and with such meticulous detail that it's hard to envision that he isn't drawing from personal experience. In a sense, this is the zenith of quality writing.


Clearly, Cheever is a highly proficient short-story writer. My only "criticism" (more of an observation, really) from a construction-oriented perspective is this: Falconer gives the impression of being several interesting short stories pieced together. In a way, most novels or books are constructed in this fashion, but typically there are more connective elements binding the "episodes" together.


As a device, namely the prison setting, Cheever's positioning is nothing short of ingenious. How else could a writer juxtapose such a diverse range of personalities and manage to pull it off? By utilizing prison as an apparatus or explanation for fusing these aberrant stories and people together, Cheever has the freedom to do what he does best - tell us captivating short stories filled with vivid details and descriptions. Where else, other than in prison, would you encounter such a rich, unusual, and often revolting cast of characters? Cheever doesn't need to waste time justifying their relationships; he can simply "proceed" and write.


Farragut's nonchalance towards the themes of addiction, sexuality, and freedom (after all, being a prisoner does ensure having two meals and a bed!) leaves us with a great deal to contemplate.


If you couldn't bear to watch "Brokeback Mountain", then it's best to leave this on the shelf. Some people require a happy ending. Falconer is an articulate and captivating nightmare that you can happily awaken from.

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CrescentWaves
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Read 50 pages and I’m quite unconvinced.

The old adage ‘write what you know’ is a principle that should be adhered to, even by the greats.

When an author writes about something they are familiar with, it adds authenticity and depth to the story.

However, in this case, it seems that the author may have strayed from this principle.

The details and descriptions lack the kind of vividness and accuracy that comes from personal experience.

It makes me question whether the author truly understands the subject matter they are writing about.

Perhaps they should have taken the time to research and immerse themselves in the topic before attempting to write about it.

Overall, I found the reading to be somewhat lacking in substance and would have preferred to see more of the author's personal knowledge and insights shine through.
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Adusiek
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Farragut is a wealthy man, but unfortunately, he is also a drug addict.

Tragically, he committed a heinous crime by murdering his own brother. As a result, he is now incarcerated in Falconer prison.

The novel presents a collection of interwoven vignettes that vividly depict both the harsh reality of prison life and Farragut's memories of his life before prison.

These vignettes offer a complex and nuanced exploration of the human psyche, highlighting the themes of guilt, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions.

Personally, I believe that I should continue to focus on Cheever short stories, as they offer a similar depth and complexity in exploring the human condition.

Cheever's works often deal with themes such as love, loss, and the search for meaning in life, and his writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking.

By reading and analyzing Cheever's short stories, I hope to gain a better understanding of the human experience and to improve my own writing skills.
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itsmeganechan
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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After reading two short story collections by John Cheever, it was time to read one of his novels, in fact, the last one he wrote in 1977 - "Falconer".

"Falconer" is a prison where the protagonist serves a sentence for murdering his brother. The harsh environment of a prison establishment is exemplary shown to us by the author, who gradually reveals the other elements with which he relates the most there, interspersed with passages from his personal life that help to define the character.

The style is the same as that of the short stories, and in many parts we even think we are reading a fragmented book of short stories, or a "big" short story.

Cheever is decidedly one of the great names in American literature of the 20th century. His works are known for their细腻的描写, complex characters, and exploration of the human condition. "Falconer" is no exception, as it delves into the dark and often brutal world of prison life while also exploring themes such as redemption, forgiveness, and the power of love.

Overall, "Falconer" is a thought-provoking and engaging novel that showcases Cheever's talent as a writer. It is a must-read for fans of American literature and those interested in exploring the human psyche.
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ctrlyune
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A literary masterpiece is a work of art that stands the test of time. It is a creation that has the power to move, inspire, and educate readers across generations.

These masterpieces are often characterized by their profound themes, complex characters, and beautiful language. They explore the human condition, delving into the depths of our emotions, desires, and fears.

Whether it is a classic novel like "Pride and Prejudice" or a modern-day epic like "The Lord of the Rings," a literary masterpiece has the ability to transport us to different worlds and make us see things from new perspectives.

It challenges our assumptions, broadens our horizons, and enriches our lives. A literary masterpiece is not just a book; it is a treasure that we can return to again and again, discovering something new and wonderful each time.
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akirakirarin
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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3,5*. It seemed to me a very "classic" American story (in a good sense).

Also, it had some shocking scenes.

But having read "I Hate Breakfast" by Rougian [https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...] with a similar theme, which was shocking for 90% of it, I wasn't overly impressed. While other friends consider it as one of the best books they have read.

This shows that everyone has different tastes and perspectives when it comes to literature. What one person finds amazing, another may not have the same reaction to.

Perhaps it's because our life experiences, values, and expectations influence how we perceive and evaluate a story.

Nevertheless, it's interesting to explore different books and see how they touch us in different ways.
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WafflePlug
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is the story of a middle-aged, middle-class, well-educated man who was sentenced for the murder of his brother.

In prison, he is gradually incorporated into a community of broken, angry, and desperate men.

As the protagonist endeavors to hold on to his humanity, Cheever encourages the reader to identify the humanity within each of these men who have been spurned by society.

Cheever has a sharp ear for dialogue and remarkable proficiency in character development.

This merits 4 stars for the writing. Regrettably, despite the high quality of the writing, I never established a connection with the characters or the story.

The story seems to lack that certain something that would draw the reader in and make them truly care about what happens.

Perhaps it's the detachment of the protagonist or the somewhat one-dimensional nature of the other characters.

Nonetheless, the writing itself is engaging and showcases Cheever's talent as a writer.

It's just a shame that the story didn't live up to its potential.
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