After reading this collection of his first three novels, I can truly understand why Saul Bellow is regarded as a great writer.

The standout among them is his third novel, The Adventures of Augie March. I wholeheartedly enjoyed the initial 85% of the novel. It was reminiscent of David Copperfield, presenting a first-person life journey filled with vivid characters and captivating prose. However, it seemed to lose its inspiration towards the end. I had the impression that Bellow was forcefully inserting narratives and conversations to tick off a checklist of elements that demonstrated his knowledge of various psychological themes. Overall, it was a very good book. But it could have concluded earlier and been even better.

The Victim is an intriguing story that ponders the influence that brief acquaintances can have on one's life. It also shows how we tend to overvalue contemporary relationships, such as those with friends and coworkers, when reflecting on our lives over time. It is not difficult to envision how Bellow's first novel, Dangling Man, might have served as an inspiration for coming-of-age novels like Salinger's Catcher in the Rye and Percy's The Moviegoer.

Each of these novels offers unique insights and perspectives, contributing to Bellow's reputation as a masterful storyteller.

Not always an easy read, but full of depth, challenging, rewarding, and entertaining. This was the first time I've read Saul Bellow and I enjoyed the experience immensely. His writing style is unique and engaging. The characters he creates are complex and multi-dimensional, making them truly come alive on the page. The storylines are often thought-provoking and explore deep themes such as human nature, morality, and the meaning of life. Reading Saul Bellow is like embarking on a journey of self-discovery. It forces you to confront your own beliefs and values and see the world from different perspectives. Despite the challenges, the rewards are well worth it. I would highly recommend Saul Bellow to anyone who is looking for a challenging and rewarding read.

Saul Bellow was a remarkable literary figure. Born in Canada in 1915, he was smuggled into the US at 9 by his bootlegging father. Growing up on the poorer Jewish streets of Chicago, his early life experiences greatly influenced his writing.

Bellow's works are often autobiographical, combining his rough city upbringing with his vast erudition and thoughtfulness. He received numerous accolades, including three National Book Awards, a Pulitzer Prize, and the Nobel Prize in 1976.

The Library of America has published two volumes of his novels. The first volume contains novels written between 1944 and 1953, and the second between 1956 and 1964. I'm reviewing the earlier volume here.

When Bellow became famous, he distanced himself from his first two novels. However, they are still worth reading as they show his development as a writer. "Dangling Man" and "The Victim" explore alienation and loneliness in an urban environment, influenced by Dostoevsky and existentialism.

In "The Adventures of Augie March", Bellow found his own voice and received his first National Book Award. The novel, told from Augie's perspective, follows his life from Depression-era Chicago to post-WWII. It's a picaresque adventure filled with various experiences and relationships.

A small incident in the book, when Augie meets an impoverished Italian woman in post-war Italy, illustrates the humanistic character of the novel and the hope it offers.

This LOA edition includes sparse notes by James Wood and a useful chronology, providing an excellent way to read the early works of this great American novelist.

Robin Friedman

Fifty years after the publication of "The Top March Events", three novels by Saul Bellow that were published in the decade following World War II have been published together in one collection.

These subsequent printings of a work usually have some slight changes, which is an incentive for rereading them!

This collection not only provides readers with the opportunity to explore the works of Saul Bellow in a comprehensive manner but also allows them to witness the evolution of his writing style over time.

The novels offer deep insights into the human condition, the social and political climate of the post-war era, and the struggles and triumphs of the characters.

Whether you are a long-time fan of Saul Bellow or new to his works, this collection is sure to captivate and engage you.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, and the human experience.

10Jan2009 - This is the second time I've attempted to read this particular work. Sadly, I got stuck right at Chapter VI. To be honest, it's extremely boring, yet it's somehow regarded as a "classic."

It's quite frustrating because I had such high hopes initially.

April 2010 - I finally decided to sell the book on eBay. At least in doing so, I managed to get a few bucks for it.

I must admit that the shorter books I've read in the past were much more enjoyable. But there was simply no way I was ever going to invest the significant amount of time that would be necessary to plow through this Augie.

I guess some "classics" just don't live up to the hype for everyone.

Maybe I'll have better luck with other so-called classics in the future.

For now, I'm just glad to have gotten rid of this one and moved on.

I have long desired to read Saul Bellow. For several years, this thought has lingered in my mind. Now, after finally delving into his works, I understand precisely why he holds such a lofty position as a writer. I began with 'Victim' from this collection.

The question of how responsible we are for the events that befall others is a central theme in 'Victim'. It is explored in an engaging and multi-faceted manner. The story also delves into the idea of how we can relinquish parts of our lives to the control of others, driven by guilt and an obsessive fixation on certain situations.

There is so much more to be said about this story. The tension between Levanthal and Allbee remains palpable and unrelenting until the very end.

This is a beautifully written tale, and I have discovered yet another author whom I adore. I am eagerly looking forward to reading 'Herzog' next. I anticipate that it will offer an equally profound and captivating experience.