Community Reviews

Rating(3.7 / 5.0, 14 votes)
5 stars
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14 reviews
July 15,2025
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Taken together as a single story, this is truly a brilliant publication. It is highly recommended to read them in order as it is one continuous story. I read "Herzog" before "Henderson". Why? Well, sometimes I simply don't like to know when a novel is going to end. So, by setting this volume aside for a month or so and reading Henderson last, I had no idea when I was about to turn the last page. There is just one main character - Tommy (from "Seize the Day"/Henderson/Herzog) - who takes us on a unique journey. These three novels bring to mind Updike's Rabbit character and the four novels published together as "Rabbit Angstrom". I have been seeking the reason why Bellow has won a Pulitzer. And that explanation is indeed right here. The way these novels are crafted, the depth of the characters, and the overall narrative arc all contribute to the brilliance that earned Bellow this prestigious award.

July 15,2025
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After finishing the novella Seize the Day, I am convinced that it is perhaps the most renowned of Saul Bellow's stories.

It is concise, yet by no means saccharine. The novella unwaveringly presents the protagonist's fear and heartache with brutal honesty as he endeavors to make his way through a single day in the life of New York City's Upper West Side.

Bellow's masterful writing allows readers to vividly experience the protagonist's internal turmoil and external struggles.

The story delves deep into the human condition, exploring themes such as identity, purpose, and the search for meaning in a chaotic world.

Despite its brevity, Seize the Day packs a powerful punch and leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

It is a testament to Bellow's literary genius and his ability to create complex and engaging characters in a relatively short space.

Overall, I highly recommend this novella to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant read.
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