I decided to read Rabbit, Run after seeing it included in a couple of listings of great literature of the 20th century. It's about Harry 'Rabbit' Angstrom, the most selfish, self-centred, tin-eared, immature character that I've ever encountered.
It opens with Harry reflecting on his great basketball success in high school. None of his achievements since then have given him a comparable level of satisfaction; he has a job as a kitchen gadget salesman, and a wife, Janice, who is pregnant with their second child. On the spur of the moment, Harry decides he must escape, but has no clear destination or purpose, and when asking for vague directions he's told, "The only way to get somewhere, you know, is to figure out where you're going before you go there". It's a sad story, but Harry certainly doesn't blame himself for the tragedies he leaves in his wake.
The story questions the 'American dream' as well as attitudes to religion and sex. I can't say I enjoyed the book, but I'm glad I read it. None of the characters are likeable. What I appreciated especially was Updike's writing style, his use of the present tense, and the occasional sections of "stream of consciousness", such as when Harry has the radio on in the car, or when his wife Janice is drunk.
So, I do recommend it, but make sure you have something humorous on hand to lighten your mood afterwards.
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