Mudei de 3 para 4 estrelas. The Leventhal continues to walk with me. This must mean that it had deceived me. It is better - or worse, because bad people also mark us - than I thought at the end of the reading. This about the stars is a little unfair, isn't it?

The decision to change the rating from 3 to 4 stars was not an easy one. The Leventhal has been a constant presence in my thoughts since I started reading. At first, I had a certain impression of it, but as I delved deeper, I realized that there was more to it than met the eye. Maybe it had misled me in some way, or maybe my initial judgment was too hasty.

On one hand, it could be considered better that the Leventhal had this hidden side. It shows that there is complexity and depth to the story and the characters. It makes me think and question, which is always a good thing in a book. On the other hand, it could also be seen as worse. Bad people and their actions can have a profound impact on us, even if we don't realize it at the time. And sometimes, our first impressions are not always wrong.

As for the stars, I can't help but feel that they are a little unfair. They are supposed to represent the quality of the book, but they don't always tell the whole story. A book can have many different aspects and qualities, and it's not always easy to sum them up with a simple rating. Maybe we should look beyond the stars and consider the book as a whole.

The story is about a mysterious and self-doubting person who falls into additional psychological difficulties, as well as physical ones, after a half-stranger suddenly appears in his life and accuses him of ruining his life.

The novel is written very convincingly and tensely, so that you have the impression that you are the victim yourself. That uncertainty of the main character is felt subtly in every sentence.

Sol Belou is undoubtedly a very high-quality writer and it is not without reason that he won the Nobel Prize. His works have the power to engage readers deeply and make them experience a wide range of emotions. Through this story, he explores the complex themes of guilt, self-doubt, and the impact of unexpected events on a person's life. The detailed descriptions and well-developed characters add to the overall authenticity of the narrative. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys thought-provoking and emotionally engaging literature.

Leventhal, the central character, is the bewildered victim of anti-Semitism from a man called Allbee. Allbee is convinced that Leventhal has victimized him, yet Leventhal struggles to remember even meeting him.

Interwoven with this is Leventhal's intervention in the struggles of his sick nephew and his mother, and his conflict with his brother, who neglects them. During the course of the novel, Leventhal grows in wisdom and understanding.

This makes Leventhal sound like a sympathetic character, and yet it is Bellow's genius that he is in fact rather obnoxious. He is incredibly over-sensitive about perceived slights to himself, but also has the usual fault of all the thin-skinned - he is almost completely unaware of how his speech and actions hurt others. However, Leventhal, who is in so many ways flawed and unpleasant, has his saving graces, and he is indeed a victim.

This was my second Bellow novel. I must admit that I wasn't overly impressed with my first, "Dangling Man," which failed to grip me. But this one is in a different league. The big theme is anti-Semitism, but it is effectively grounded in the beautifully described lives of characters who are all flawed, obtuse, and annoying, yet also very often kind, perceptive, and endearing. It takes a great writer to mix all this together and make it work.

Alienation is the predominant theme in this work. Indeed, we are firmly within the realm of existentialism, and there is no doubt that it serves as an exploration of polite anti-Semitism in the aftermath of the Second World War. However, a profound sense of alienation pervades every aspect, and this is both the book's greatest achievement and its significant shortcoming.

The loneliness of the protagonist, Leventhal, who is besieged from all directions and seemingly unable to establish a meaningful connection with anyone (except perhaps his wife, who is absent for almost the entire novel), is exquisitely captured. Although the character's initial passivity makes the early chapters less inviting to read, we gradually come to understand this man and feel frustrated on his behalf due to his inability to connect. Empathy is cultivated, and the book slowly transforms into a page-turner.

Yet, this is also a flaw because, let's face it, a sense of frustration is not something one truly desires from a book. Undoubtedly, it is beautifully written, evoking a version of New York during a summer heatwave (and a married man alone within it) that is oppressive and devoid of glamour, a world far removed from the contemporary 'The Seven Year Itch'. But it is an alienating book about an alienated character, and while it succeeds in presenting that alienation, an alienating novel is not one that one will ever truly love.

The original article: This is a short article. It needs to be rewritten and expanded.

The rewritten and expanded article:

This is a rather concise article. It has the potential to be transformed into a more detailed and comprehensive piece. By adding more specific details, examples, and perhaps some additional perspectives, it can become a more engaging and informative read. For instance, we could further elaborate on the main points mentioned in the original article, providing in-depth analysis and explanations. We might also include relevant statistics or research findings to support the arguments. Additionally, adding some personal anecdotes or real-life scenarios could make the article more relatable and interesting to the readers. In this way, the rewritten and expanded article would offer a more fulfilling and enriching experience for those who take the time to read it.

I randomly picked up (or listened to) this book as it was recommended just before I embarked on a road trip. I had never delved into anything written by Saul Bellow previously, so my curiosity was piqued. Published in 1947, it's evident that I wasn't Bellow's targeted audience. This novel, despite its excellent writing, simply didn't resonate with me.

"THE VICTIM" chronicles the life of Asa Leventhal, a twenty-something married Jewish man. However, the novel felt more like an elongated short story. It seemed to be centered around Leventhal's experiences during a trying month when his wife was away. In fact, the plot was rather thin, mainly focusing on getting inside Leventhal's mind during this difficult period. Moreover, it wasn't even clear who "the victim" truly was. It could have been any one of several characters or perhaps multiple characters combined.

While his wife is absent, Leventhal is stalked and then confronted by an old acquaintance, Kirby Albee. Albee blames his recent misfortunes in life on Leventhal due to extremely strange circumstances. Albee is shrewd and manipulative, managing to convince Leventhal of his supposed guilt. This takes a toll on Leventhal's mental state, especially when his wife (who is his support) is out of town and his nephew is on the verge of dying. As Leventhal descends further into frustration and confusion, he fears that he might be losing his mind, just like his mother did when he was a child. In the end, Leventhal manages to stand up to Albee, albeit barely. They part ways and then meet again in the denouement.

Although I relished reading a work by Saul Bellow, who won the Nobel Prize for Literature in the 70s, I have to admit that this book didn't quite hold my interest. There are numerous Biblical references as well as references related to middle-aged working men. I'm glad I read it, but I can't say that I truly liked it. THREE dusty STARS.

I was extremely intrigued by the premise of this novel.

The protagonist, Leventhal, encounters a man he knew only vaguely in the past. This man makes the bold claim that Leventhal is responsible for ruining his life.

Surprisingly, however, this threat never truly materializes.

The writing in the novel is truly excellent. The descriptions of the heat that is stifling the city are so vivid and evocative. It seems like a foreshadowing of events that are yet to come, or so I had hoped.

Despite these strengths, I couldn't help but feel that the book didn't quite reach its full potential.

Perhaps there were missed opportunities to further develop the characters or explore the themes more deeply.

Nonetheless, it was still an interesting read that kept me engaged from start to finish.

I look forward to seeing what the author has in store for us in future works.

Bellow's writing style in this novel is far from being mature.

Reading this book was truly a slog. It would take a few years before Bellow managed to get into his writing groove with works like Augie March and Seize the Day.

I would only recommend this book to Bellow fans, as they can observe the state of his writing career during its developmental stage.

Others are more than likely to find it a disappointing read.

Richard Reeder

http://www.aliteraryreeder.wordpress.com

This assessment of Bellow's early work highlights the fact that even great writers have a journey of growth and development. While this particular novel may not have reached the heights of his later masterpieces, it still holds value for those interested in tracing the evolution of his writing.

Bellow fans can gain insights into the seeds of his talent and the progress he made over time. However, for the general reader, this book may not offer the same level of enjoyment and satisfaction.

It serves as a reminder that not every work by a renowned author is a literary gem.

A Vast Improvement on Dangling Man

This story presents a significant upgrade from Dangling Man. It features an antisemitic drunk who unjustly blames a man for ruining his life. The elements of guilt and paranoia are masterfully balanced, creating a semi-thriller that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat.

The character of the antisemitic drunk is complex and well-developed. His actions and thoughts drive the plot forward, leading to a series of紧张 and悬疑的 events. The man who is wrongly accused also undergoes a transformation as he tries to come to terms with the false accusations and the paranoia that surrounds him.

If you are a fan of Hitchcock or Kafka, this story is definitely worth giving a try. It shares the same elements of psychological suspense and moral ambiguity that are characteristic of their works. The writing is engaging and the story unfolds at a steady pace, making it a page-turner from start to finish.

Overall, this is a great read that offers a unique take on the themes of guilt, paranoia, and injustice. It is a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good psychological thriller.

Reading this in the light of the current UK controversy about Jeremy Corbyn, the Labour Party and antisemitism and immediately after Tom Wolfe’s Bonfire of the Vanities was quite disturbing.

The intensive self-obsessed portrayal of Jewish introspection and the fear of ‘the other’ (in the immediate aftermath of the Holocaust - the novel was written in 1947) came across strongly. It made one wonder about the deep-seated emotions and traumas that still lingered during that time.

At the same time, the portrayal or personification of New York in both books as an active character was a fascinating aspect. It made the choice or chance to read them in quick succession a most fortunate one. The city seemed to have a life of its own, influencing the characters and their actions.

There is no point in repeating other reviews here which sketch out details of the story, including the vital reference to Dostoevsky’s novella on which Bellow draws. However, I was struck by a sense that Kafka - the Trial and the Castle - were also very much in the brooding texture of the writing and the impenetrable mystery which pervaded it. After all, who is The Victim, except perhaps all of us? This thought-provoking question added another layer of depth to the novel.

Finally, quotes from both the Hebrew Scriptures and the New Testament are on every other page, also seamlessly woven in and each there to prompt thought and understanding, if the reader can allow him/herself sufficient time. These religious references added a spiritual dimension to the story.

If Bellow characterised this as an apprenticeship novel, then it’s time for me to read more of the real stuff. I look forward to exploring more of his works and delving deeper into the complex themes and ideas he presents.

The way Bellow writes is truly remarkable. The main character, Leventhal, is brought to life in such a vivid way that he seems like a living, breathing, sweaty presence. He is as heavy as the New York summer humidity and the un-air-conditioned subway cars that are so prevalent in this novel. Bellow's writing is precise and descriptive, and the tension in the story rarely lets up. It is difficult to turn away from a character who, otherwise, might be too rancorous and unlikeable to endure.

Leventhal is, at his core, an angry man. He is angry at those who are disloyal or disrespectful to him, at suspected blacklists and the arbitrary spitefulness of those in power. He is also angry at the casual anti-semitism he encounters from co-workers and acquaintances, and at his own sense of impotence in the face of all this. As summed up in one line from the novel, "You couldn't say you were master of yourself when there were so many people by whom you could be humiliated."

Into this cauldron steps Allbee, a hobo who believes Leventhal has ruined his life. Allbee is Leventhal's nemesis, embodying all his deepest fears and frustrations. Although Allbee's case against Leventhal is weak, Leventhal's character flaws allow this thread to become a solid foundation. In short, Leventhal knows, on some level, that he is responsible for the awfulness of Allbee, if not for the character Allbee in particular. Allbee is just a symptom.

This line could almost serve as a description of the tension that lasts through almost the entire book: "It came into his head that he was like a man in a mine who could smell smoke and feel heat but never see the flames."

There are only a few spots in the book where this tension dies. In one scene, his friend Harkavy invites him to lunch with several older, successful Jewish men. A long discussion of Hollywood actresses ensues. Perhaps the author thought it was amusing, but up to this point, it had seemed that Leventhal, who was not born into privilege, had had to rely almost entirely on the goodwill of vaguely anti-semitic WASPs for any professional advancement. Now it turns out he had access to connections all along? This revelation seems a bit out of place and disrupts the otherwise seamless flow of the story.

I tried to read Herzog a few years ago, but I just couldn't get into it. However, this time around, I really loved it. At the same time, I also found the main characters to be rather repellent, which strangely enough, I kind of dug. It's an interesting contradiction. The story and the way it's told really captured my attention. I'm now excited to explore other works by Bellows. I'm curious to see what else he has to offer and how his writing style varies across different books. Maybe I'll discover new characters and storylines that will either repel or attract me in different ways. I'm looking forward to this literary journey and seeing where it takes me.