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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This is the fourth time I've read Falconer.

It is truly a remarkable and近乎完美的 novel.

Each sentence is crafted with precision, the words fitting exactly for the moment they grace the page.

As you progress through the story, it builds and builds until you reach the most beautiful, hard-earned, and elegiac ending of all time.

The above description might seem like hyperbole, but in reality, it is not very much of an exaggeration.

Falconer is a literary masterpiece that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

It explores themes of love, loss, redemption, and the human condition with such depth and nuance that it is impossible not to be moved.

The characters are vividly drawn, and the setting is richly detailed, transporting the reader to another time and place.

If you haven't read Falconer yet, I highly recommend it. It is a novel that you will not soon forget.

I'm truly glad that I had the opportunity to read Falconer. I have to admit that I deeply admire the writing style. However, despite this admiration, I don't think I will have the desire to reread this book.

Cheever has masterfully crafted the portrayal of men (and I specifically mean men, not women) in their most degraded state. It's this very aspect that, when the humor emerges, makes me burst into belly laughter. And for that reason, I have a certain love for the book. Degraded men, confined in a cage with nothing left to lose, have no choice but to talk. And talk they do, engaging in various conversations that add a unique flavor to the story.

I grew up in the vicinity of Sing Sing, which I'm speculating is the model for Falconer. Cheever, who lived near me, might have even been an acquaintance of my parents. My mother, Edna Robinson, held his writing in high regard. Although I've come to the party rather late, I now understand the reason for this reverence. Next on my reading list will be his short stories, which I'm looking forward to exploring and experiencing his unique literary charm once again.

The time for banal irony, the voice-over, he thought, is long gone.

He craved something more profound, something that would touch the very core of his being.

Give me the chords, those rich and soul-stirring musical notes that can convey emotions beyond words.

Let them flow like deep rivers, carrying with them the weight of his memories and desires.

He yearned for the unchanging profundity of nostalgia, that bittersweet longing for the past.

Love, too, was a force that he wanted to explore in all its depth and complexity.

And death, the ultimate mystery, held a strange allure for him.

In these themes, he believed, lay the true essence of life and art.

He was determined to find a way to express them, to bring them to life in a way that would resonate with others.

No more banalities, no more shallow ironies.

It was time for something real, something that would stand the test of time.

This is an incredibly well-written novel that delves deep into the themes of redemption and offers a profound meditation on humanity. The language and tone used in this book are truly some of the best I've come across in a long time. It has a style that is reminiscent of Raymond Carver, and you can clearly see that the author has taken a great deal from Cheever in the most positive and influential ways.

The story unfolds in a captivating manner, drawing the reader in and making them invested in the lives of the characters. The exploration of redemption is both nuanced and thought-provoking, showing the complex nature of human beings and their ability to change and grow.

The author's use of language is masterful, painting vivid pictures and creating a palpable atmosphere. The tone is恰到好处, adding an extra layer of depth and emotion to the narrative. Overall, this is a remarkable novel that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who reads it.