I agree with many of the reviewers here.

This is indeed a curious book. I still don't have a fully formed view of it.

That said, it was entertaining, humorous in parts, and also sad.

However, after reading a number of the reviews here, I did note several comments suggesting that the story was some kind of attack on suburbia or a metaphor of suburban decay.

I don't think so. It doesn't seem that simple, and it appears that Cheever had other things in mind too.

As he said, "I believe that Hammer and Nailles were thought to be social casualties, which isn't what I intended at all. And I thought I made my intentions quite clear. But if you don't communicate, it's not anybody else's fault. Neither Hammer nor Nailles were meant to be either psychiatric or social metaphors; they were meant to be two men with their own risks. I think the book was misunderstood on those terms." (John Cheever, The Art of Fiction No. 62, Paris Review).

Interestingly, my version of the book has a blurb from none other than Joseph Heller, who gave the somewhat ironic and ambiguous "compliment" that Bullet Park was "in a class by itself...among all novels I know".

This shows that the book has generated a lot of discussion and different interpretations, which makes it all the more interesting and worthy of further exploration.

A clever and hostile gaze is cast upon the woes and monotony that plague one family's suburban American life.

Eliot Nailles, in a quiet and desperate attempt, endeavors to manage the unfulfilling fruits of the American dream. Meanwhile, his son, rightfully so, rejects his lifestyle and values. And the outsider, Hammer, attempts to reconcile and remedy the wayward and soulless path that humanity has embarked upon by using Eliot and his family as an example.

This is the general framework of the story. Setting aside the major themes, it is Cheever's little insights and observations that render him so remarkable. When his son Tony delves into poetry, Eliot acknowledges that although poetry is an "exalted art form," he can't help but link it with "morbidly sensitive men." That is likely precisely how my father feels, yet he would never be capable of expressing such a sentiment with such acuity and sophistication. One truly has to be a poet to be able to achieve that.

A Scathing Glimpse into American Suburbia in the 1960s

In the 1960s, American suburbia presented a seemingly idyllic picture with its neatly manicured lawns and charming picket fences. However, beneath these happy facades lay a complex web of marriages and lives filled with regret, boredom, and depression. This short novel takes a scathing look at this hidden reality.

The story unfolds against the backdrop of a suburban neighbourhood where the characters' lives are intertwined. We see the struggles and discontent that lurk beneath the surface of their seemingly perfect lives. The picket fences, which are supposed to represent safety and security, instead become a symbol of the false fronts that people put up.

Adding to the tension is an unstable neighbour with dark intentions. This character brings an element of mystery and danger to the story, keeping the reader on the edge of their seat. The author also weaves in some dark humour, which provides a welcome relief from the otherwise沉重的主题.

Overall, this short novel is an enjoyable and diverting read that offers a unique perspective on American suburbia in the 1960s. It forces us to question the ideals and values that we associate with this era and reminds us that sometimes, what lies beneath the surface is far more complex and interesting than what meets the eye.

Welcome to Bullet Park, the idyllic haven of the American middle class. This is a place that seems to embody the very essence of the American Dream. Here, in this exemplary environment, we are about to witness a fateful encounter between two men. On one side, there is Eliot Nailles, a citizen who has fully integrated into the community. Despite the internal contradictions that lurk beneath the surface, he desires nothing more than for his wife and son to have a happy disposition. He has built a life here, with all its joys and challenges. On the other hand, there is Paul Hammer, a new neighbour. A nowhere man who, after half a lifetime of aimless wandering, has decided to put down roots and buy a house in Bullet Park. Coinciding with the stranger's arrival, Nailles will begin to see the slow and insidious crumbling of their little world. The tragedy unfolds when his son starts to experience problems in school, and this will intensify to limits that no one could have suspected. As the story progresses, we will see how these two men's lives become intertwined, and how the seemingly perfect world of Bullet Park is shattered.

This is a comedy that delves into the realm of suburbia, yet it presents a rather dark and subtle brand of humor. In fact, I didn't find myself laughing out loud at all.

The story revolves around Eliot Nailles, a sensible middle-class individual who has been a long-term resident of Bullet Park, a suburb of New York. His recently arrived neighbor is Paul Hammer. At first glance, Nailles appears to be a hardworking man, happily married, and blessed with a perfect teenage son, admired by all those around him. On the other hand, Hammer seems somewhat mysterious, with a wife who has a tendency to say inappropriate things after having a few drinks.

The first half of the book, perhaps as expected, peels back the veneer of suburbia and takes a closer look behind the closed doors at the details of Nailles' life. His love for his wife Nellie borders on obsession, but one wonders if she feels the same level of loyalty towards him. Additionally, his son Tony has seemingly been suddenly struck down with some form of debilitating depression, which Nailles is desperately trying to understand and find a cure for.

What I found particularly interesting is that Cheever doesn't completely undermine the prevailing view of suburbia. Overall, the picture painted is one of dreariness and predictability. However, it's important to note that the writing itself is far from dull. Nevertheless, if this section had continued for much longer, I suspect I would have quickly grown bored.

My full review: http://www.noseinabook.co.uk/2014/01/...

E niente.

When this expression is used, it is never really nothing. There is always something that follows. And after my nothing, that is, after this book which is one of those that you take the notebook, if you are a writer, and throw it out the window because when on earth will you write something like that, I decide to have some assorted sadness follow. So, just to distract myself while I see the notebook rotating in the air before it reaches the cobblestones. I can also add a bit of heartache, saying that the ending is not even the stench of the other nine-tenths of the book, but I would make a den for myself alone, and then it is better that I stay quiet and pocket this wonder of Cheever.

Maybe this nothing is actually a prelude to a new beginning. It could be that the act of discarding the notebook is a way of purging the old and making room for the new. Or perhaps it is just a moment of frustration that will pass, and I will find myself inspired once again to pick up the pen and write.

Either way, this niente is not as simple as it seems. It is a complex mix of emotions and thoughts that are all jumbled up inside me. But as I watch the notebook fall, I know that something has changed, and I am ready to face whatever comes next.

Bullet Park is divided into three parts.

In the first part, it presents the life of the Nailles and the appearances they are forced to adopt in the daily life of the American suburbs. These appearances are presented to the reader as gears and parts arranged for the disassembly of the American dream that the characters represent. The inhabitants of a mess in a life that tastes of plastic, neurosis, and drugs, combined with the affections and dreams that inevitably nest in the human condition. A complex picture of strange colors.

Next, we continue with the autobiographical narration of the obsessive and alcoholic Paul Hammer. This narration envelops us in the dreamlike search for tranquility and peace starting from the omnipresent vision of the yellow walls. A journey marked by delusions of persecution, existential concerns, and the lurking shadow of death. Perhaps one of the few willing to remove the mask of society. Or perhaps not.

Finally, the third part... read it.

Cheever manages to deliver a captivating story. His characters, tied to immaculate but suspiciously unreal landscapes, manage to condense the popular image of disenchantment with the lifestyle of the American middle class, parodied, criticized, and represented in an extensive catalog of works in various formats. A literary piece that shows us the decline of a lifestyle that strives to persevere in the daily routine and the apparent normality of its rituals and customs.

1993 notebook: Another great American book.

It tells of mild adultery, a man being sucked under the morning express, and a man who knows the different sounds trees make in the wind - larch, tulip, oak.

But he wonders, what good does it do? He thinks someone has to observe the world.

That's the line, the line for him.

This book seems to explore the complex and often overlooked aspects of life.

The description of adultery may make us question the nature of relationships.

The incident of the man under the express is a tragic and shocking event.

And the man's knowledge of the trees' sounds shows his connection to nature.

Overall, 1993 notebook is a thought-provoking and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on the human experience.

This is an utterly fascinating book that delves into the lives of two men with rather interesting names, Mr. Nailes and Mr. Hammer.

Set in the 1960s, just a train ride away from the bustling city of New York, the story takes an unexpected turn when one man makes a rather drastic decision. He decides to kill the teenage son of his suburban neighbor, thereby attempting to make his own life more interesting.

As is typical of John Cheever's works, the writer has an uncanny ability to notice and comment brilliantly on the absurdities of modern life and the peculiarities of the human condition. His insights are so profound that as you read, you can't help but admire his power as a writer and simply shake your head in awe and wonder.

About halfway through, I came to the realization that I was reading a John Cheever version of the famous Kevin Spacey film "American Beauty." This book shares that same kind of brilliance, along with a disturbing quirkiness that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

I won't spoil the ending for you, but I can tell you that once I reached the climatic final scenes, I simply couldn't put this book down. You have this feeling that anything could happen, and trust me, you won't be disappointed.

OK. For this kind of books, the rating of 'five stars' was invented. What a discovery, this story by Cheever that dates back to 1969. It makes me think a bit of David Lynch when we wander literarily through the suburb of Bullet Park near New York. The characters are wonderful, the twists are surprising, the rhythm is steady, and the setting is like a combination of'mad-man-cocktail-party' and 'Twin Peaks'. More of that, more of Cheever. It will be continued.

Cheever's work has a unique charm. His stories are not only about the lives of ordinary people in the suburbs but also explore deeper themes such as human nature, desire, and the meaning of life. In this story, we are introduced to a cast of characters who are all dealing with their own problems and conflicts. The setting of Bullet Park adds to the atmosphere of the story, making it feel both familiar and strange at the same time.

The writing style is also very engaging. Cheever's descriptions are vivid and detailed, allowing the reader to easily picture the scenes and characters in their minds. The dialogue is natural and believable, adding to the authenticity of the story. Overall, this is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone who enjoys literary fiction.

At first, this work seemed like just another Cheever novel. It appeared to be a series of short stories that were haphazardly and nonsensically strung together.

One could easily be convinced that he had started writing one novel but then, perhaps due to boredom or a lack of discipline, began digressing into multiple other novels.

However, as I reached the end of part two, a remarkable transformation occurred. It became crystal clear that Cheever had carefully and artfully structured this entire piece.

The payoff was truly astonishing, as it brought all the seeming digressions into a completely new and illuminating light.

In the end, it was an extremely satisfying reading experience, one that made me appreciate Cheever's masterful craftsmanship even more.

It goes to show that sometimes, what may initially seem like a jumble of disjointed stories can, upon closer inspection, reveal itself to be a work of great art and depth.

My first reaction after finishing this book was: Huh?

Upon closing the book, I immediately went back to the beginning and started reading again, convinced that I must have missed something crucial. It was rather reassuring to discover, while perusing the reviews on Goodreads, that I wasn't the only one with this assumption.

There's no doubt that the author of Bullet Park is a virtuoso of the English language and an astute observer of modern society and the human condition. The novel is set in a region of the country that still retains some of its regional character. Cheever vividly portrays a suburban culture and lifestyle that is rapidly eradicating all unique regional traits from the American landscape.

We have a father addicted to prescription medications and a son who is confined to bed with a mysterious illness that his parents call "mononucleosis" but is actually the all-too-common symptom of modern suburban angst known as "clinical depression". Ironically, the son is "cured" not by modern psychiatry and anti-psychotic drugs but by a "swami" with a silver tongue who convinces the boy that he is simply a victim of a repressive society.

The first four-fifths of the book flow smoothly and are a pleasure to read until suddenly the action screeches to a halt and the point of view switches to another character who is a relatively unknown acquaintance of the original narrator. This second narrator relates a life story (in the first person) of questionable parentage that leads him into a life of aimless travel, casual sex, and a loveless marriage. It all concludes with a rather contrived ending that has little connection to the previous action.

I gave the book three stars because I appreciated the writing style. However, having said that, I do prefer a satisfying ending, and this book failed to provide that for me. And I'm still left wondering if there was something I overlooked.