The most exuberant and funny of all Bellow’s novels, Henderson the Rain King remained the author’s personal favorite. The first edition is bound in orange and tan cloth. Henderson, elevated to a post in which he becomes a scapegoat for the capricious rain goddess, is no better off than he was before; he is as much governed by ritual as King … At the age of fifty-six, he says he will begin medical studies, I am a steady admirer of Saul Bellow and this since I read, some thirty years ago, “Humboldt’s Gift”. I've been there and got this insight. Review date: 11/2/1999 Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson. Henderson the Rain King Saul Bellow, Author, Joe Barrett, Read by, read by Joe Barrett. ; New York : Penguin Books Collection inlibrary; printdisabled; internetarchivebooks; americana Digitizing sponsor Internet Archive Contributor Internet Archive Language English. So for God’s sake make a move, Henderson, put forth effort. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. 2 people found this helpful. But Eugene Henderson, the unfulfilled scorned son of a wealthy father (who still left him plenty of money) is a seeker with a difference. In this novel, Saul Bellow names his main character, or also known as “the protagonist”, Eugene Henderson. By ORVILLE PRESCOTT. What a concept. 3.0 out of 5 starsStrange, interesting, unrealistic, ultimately meaningless. Henderson the Rain King is not my favorite Bellow novel: Henderson’s sojourn in Africa is unconvincing and borders on Orientalism, the novel’s symbolism is heavy, and some disjointed sections feel superfluous, as when Henderson writes letters to his wife, Lily, in Chapter 19, or when he discusses the lion hunts with King Dahfu. Henderson the rain king by Bellow, Saul. Rob, I want to reach Henderson/Herzog's conclusion, and that conclusion is perfect. His feats of strength, his passion for life, and, most importantly, his inadvertant success in bringing rain have made him a god-like figure among the tribes. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of, Published Review date: 11/2/1999 Publisher: Weidenfeld & Nicolson. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Henderson the Rain King at Amazon.com. For more than seventy years, Penguin has been the leading publisher of classic literature in the English-speaking world. He reminded me of a few people that I have known, one in particular, who always rubbed ne the wrong way. An answer to that call in the pit of the stomach that yells, “I want! Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2009. He is a world-class fu**-up and he ups the ante on bad decisions after he decides to seek meaning in Africa. This book, "Henderson the Rain King," written in 1958, made the list of the top 100 fiction novels of the 20th century. Those who understand will require no further explanation.”, National Book Award Finalist for Fiction (1960). Henderson the Rain King Saul Bellow, Author, Joe Barrett, Read by, read by Joe Barrett. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2005, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 7 July 2010. He reminded me of a few people that I have known, one in particular, w. This is my first Saul Bellow book and while I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either. he's in africa. In that effort he fails. read more saul bellow. Publication date 1976 Publisher Harmondsworth, Middlesex, Eng. See 1 question about Henderson the Rain King…, 2018 January: Canadian: Henderson the Rain King. While something still is—now! Tags: SONG0670366552, 9780670366552 ... A hilarious, often ribald story, Henderson the Rain King is also a profound look at the forces that drive a man through life. As others have said before this, the plot is actually quite simple, and one drawback to the book is that its story does not warrant its length. "Henderson the Rain King" should appeal to anyone with politically left leanings and especially those who are frustrated by the materialist obsessions that plagues our culture. Have you read "Herzog"? Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 18 November 2015. The National Book Award winner's first full length novel since The Adventures of Augie March is as bursting with life and energy as that fascinating book and has an even more absorbing hero. I came across the title via another book I was reading and was curious. I almost feel like I've met him. Good condition. If you do not want to accept all cookies or would like to learn more about how we use cookies, click "Customise cookies". An interesting read. ; New York : Penguin Boks Collection inlibrary; printdisabled; internetarchivebooks; delawarecountydistrictlibrary; china; americana Digitizing sponsor Internet Archive Contributor Internet Archive Language English. Through parody and satire, Henderson the Rain King (1959) offers Bellow's most trenchant and comic analysis of literary modernism. 1 likes. Slower to start but worth reading as it sets the scene and then you are off! A hilarious, often ribald story, HENDERSON THE RAIN KING is also a profound look at the forces that drive a man through life. Henderson involves himself in life over and over again- with disastrous results to others. Henderson's awesome feats of strength and his unbridled passion for life earns him the admiration of the tribe - but it is his gift for making rain that turns him from mere hero into messiah. Henderson’s awesome feats of strength and his unbridled passion for life earns him the admiration of the tribe – but it is his gift for making rain that turns him from mere hero into messiah. Henderson the Rain KingBy Saul Bellow. This has to be one of the most overrated and boring books I have ever attempted to read. I want therefore I am - Bellow’s version of Descartes’ proposition. Saul Bellow has created a wonderful off the wall at times, complex easy reading novel - its about a man's yearning and searching with the words "I want" going around in his head leading him on to find himself. It's a continuation of "Henderson". philip roth does. Now, on completion, I have come to the conclusion it was a total waste of time. Augie was an observer, moving on the edges of other people's lives. For the sake of all, get out.” Henderson the Rain King is an effort by Saul Bellow to identify the meaning of life. Audio MP3 on CD. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 6 January 2017, Again bought as present it looked OK and as it was requested I'm sure it was fine, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 4 January 2015. February 23, 1959. he's in africa. Henderson's awesome feats of strength and his unbridled passion for life earns him the admiration of the tribe - but it is his gift for making rain that turns him from mere hero into messiah. I thought it was a fantastic book, very funny, excellent subtle work on religion, bigotry, our assumed prejudices about 'savages in Africa'. The book is hysterically funny in a Saul Bellow sort of way (which means if you’re not into Bellow-style introspection, you may not laugh). Access-restricted-item true Addeddate 2012-01-09 15:19:13 Boxid … The dust jacket, illustrated by Bill Preston, states the original price of $4.50 on the front flap and has three blurbs on rear panel under the heading Saul Bellow as a novelist. His troubles, however, are far from over, and even his new friend, the Wariri chief, King Dahfu, may not be able to protect him from the tribal elders who are convinced that a lion is the reincarnation of the late king, Dahfu's father. I won’t spoil the ending, but that’s not nearly as important as the journey, which is one heck of a trip. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 23 January 2016. I don't know that he is currently read much (and I don't know why), but I just love his novels. Mystery/Thriller. The book's blend of philosophical discourse and comic adventure has helped make it one of his more popular works. Henderson the Rain King, seriocomic novel by Saul Bellow, published in 1959. This novel is staggering. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. HENDERSON THE RAIN KING holds a special place in my heart: It is the first novel that was assigned to me in an English class that I didn't think was boring as hell. Henderson's awesome feats of strength and his unbridled passion for life earns him the admiration of the tribe - but it is his gift for making rain that turns him from mere hero into messiah. Brilliance $29.99 (0p) ISBN 978-1-4233-9349-8 . by Penguin. In its protagonist we have a highly romantic figure who is successful in his quest for spiritual regeneration.1 Yet Henderson's regeneration is a long, arduous one which commences only after he has come face to face with an octopus. I get that Henderson was on a spiritual journey to find the answers to his life's questions, and that the reader can pluck a few jewels of inspiration from Bellow's examples throughout the novel, but I've experienced that in many other novels that I enjoyed much more than this one. Henderson’s boorishness and bombastic outbursts can become tiresome (just like the original EH) but Bellow’s poetic prose always comes to the rescue offering something deeper. A hilarious, often ribald story, HENDERSON THE RAIN KING is also a profound look at the forces that drive a man through life. $9.53. Existentialism and Henderson the Rain King. $29.99. Access-restricted-item true Addeddate 2009-05-01 21:24:16 Boxid IA1637601 Camera Canon 5D … Yay. Henderson the Rain King is not my favorite Bellow novel: Henderson’s sojourn in Africa is unconvincing and borders on Orientalism, the novel’s symbolism is heavy, and some disjointed sections feel superfluous, as when Henderson writes letters to his wife, Lily, in Chapter 19, or when he discusses the lion hunts with King Dahfu. Like “More of fear than of any other thing has been created.” ― Saul Bellow , Henderson the Rain King. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 16 July 2013. Henderson the Rain King is an effort by Saul Bellow to identify the meaning of life. Henderson’s boorishness and bombastic outbursts can become tiresome (just like the original EH) but Bellow’s poetic prose always comes to the rescue. I have been struggling to understand what Bellow was saying with this book. Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 August 2012. Literature has no shortage of male protagonists suffering existential crises and somehow or other trying to find meaning in their lives. Eugene Henderson is depicted, in this novel, as a troubled, middle-aged man. Henderson the Rain King is a 1959 American existentialist novel written by Saul Bellow that tells the story of 55-year old Eugene Henderson traveling to Africa in search of something that can appease him of his boredom from being so wealthy and "happily" married. Henderson has come to Africa on a spiritual safari, a quest for the truth. OTHER BOOKS. but he's the only one giving revelations and you couldn't imagine it any other way. henderson's a brute with color. the worst part is - he finds it. henderson's a brute with color. And some of the author’s descriptive flourishes will evoke genuine pleasure. $14.99. Viking Press first published Henderson the Rain King in 1959. Henderson the Rain King Saul Bellow. A hilarious, often ribald story, ''Henderson the Rain King'' is also a profound look at the forces that drive a man through life. Company. What a concept. He attended the University of Chicago, received his Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in 1937, with honors in sociology and anthropology, did graduate work at the University of Wisconsin, and served in the Merchant Marines during World War II. 1 likes. But something is amiss. Then he decides to ditch the tourist Africa and find the true heart of it in order to understand and heal himself. And I was thinking, while reading “Henderson, the Rain King” how important (although irrelevant) is the first reading of an author. I could never relate to another person telling me, This is my first Saul Bellow book and while I didn't hate it, I didn't love it either. Sorry, there was a problem saving your cookie preferences. His troubles, however, are far from over, and even his new friend, the Wariri chief, King Dahfu, may not be able to protect him from the tribal elders who are convinced that a lion is the reincarnation of the late king, Dahfu's father. Very original voice - funny and thought provoking. More By and About This Author. In that effort he fails. the w. read more saul bellow. “Henderson the Rain King” does. Bellow's characters are unable to accept reality because of their fear of facing death as the only certainty in an absurd world, entangling themselves in a web of alienation which is a result of bad faith. Move a large stone, You're KIng! Reviewed in the United States on 23 August 2009. For one gratifying sidelight: as King, Henderson gains--what?--50+ wives. Reviews. 5.0 out of 5 stars The Story of a Modern Sensibility Wounded by the World. But Eugene Henderson, the unfulfilled scorned son of a wealthy father (who still left him plenty of money) is a seeker with a difference. For if I had read this book first, I doubt I have ever tried another. I just finished another bout with Eugene Henderson, this time via audiobook. who among you does not feel aching in your gums, and far off a chant can be heard: I want, I want!? Its outsized hero, Eugene Henderson, a mountain of a man, a millionaire, the father of many, remains adrift. Saul Bellow’s Henderson the Rain King is a darkly comedic look at one man’s look for that thing most people of first world societies, despite being given all advantages in life, can’t seem to find. Select Your Cookie Preferences. Henderson and Romilayu then travel to the village of the Wariri, where an impulsive feat of strength unwittingly deifies Henderson as the Rain King. Eugene Henderson’s trip is a Hemingway parody and a satirical allegory of our search for self sprinkled with beautiful writing that touches the soul. Verified Purchase. Jack sprawled on a rise just east of where the coastal plain began to undulate into hills covered with scrub and elephant grass. Existentialism and Henderson the Rain King. They are not small gold objects, but endless fire.”, “I am a true adorer of life, and if I can't reach as high as the face of it, I plant my kiss somewhere lower down. From the publisher: A story of a middle-aged American millionaire who, seeking a new, more rewarding life, descends upon an African tribe. Information on buying and collecting Henderson the Rain King by Bellow, Saul with a guide to first edition identification, points of issue and price and publication history. Read this for book group - divided opinion which always makes it more interesting. But every book on Africa and the West I have read since--including Naipaul's Bend in the River--must compete against this one. Now I am grumpy. The flat, gray-green paddies and fields, from above, looked like an islanded wetland. William McChord Hurt who is known by his credtied stage name as William Hurt (born March 20, 1950) is an American actor. Through parody and satire, Henderson the Rain King (1959) offers Bellow's most trenchant and comic analysis of literary modernism. One hazard, the wives decide on whether he remains king. Henderson the Rain King is a perfect example of why Saul Bellow is perhaps the most serious of comedic writers. It both makes fun of the contemporary pursuit of being real and seriously questions our values. Although I enjoyed the book, I have trouble improving on this brief summary from, If you can endure the narcissistic, misogynistic narrator-protagonist, if you can pretend to believe that every woman he meets wants to jump his bones, every guy wants to become his pal and no one anywhere wants to slap him silly, if you can abide the phony African setting, if you can shrug off the plot contrivances and force yourself to care about yet another privileged male’s midlife crisis, if you can avoid rolling your eyes out of socket at the “humorous” mishaps caused by the Rabelaisian he. I would think that an author who won three National Book Awards, a Pulitzer, and the Nobel Prize should be an American treasure. An answer to that call in the pit of the stomach that yells, “I want! Saul Bellow' famous novel is about a man who is a misfit. Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Slower to start but worth reading as it sets the scene and then you are off! This is not as good as his other books. If you. His other works include The Victim, Seize the Day, Henderson the Rain King, Mosby's Memoirs and Other Stories, To Jerusalem and Back: A Personal Account, Him with His Foot in His Mouth and Other Stories, More Die of Heartbreak, and Something to Remember Me By. “Saul Bellow is a talented and ambitious writer best known for his The Adventures of Augie March , which was published six years ago. it's a search for the meaning of life with your dickhead uncle who owns a brand new chrysler. He wants more out of life and to escape death. i hate the word romp. Henderson the Rain King is not my favorite Bellow novel: Henderson’s sojourn in Africa is unconvincing and borders on Orientalism, the novel’s symbolism is heavy, and some disjointed sections feel superfluous, as when Henderson writes letters to his wife, Lily, in Chapter 19, or when he discusses the lion hunts with King Dahfu. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. Wonderful book. For if I had read this book first, I doubt I have ever tried another. "Henderson the Rain King" should appeal to anyone with politically left leanings and especially those who are frustrated by the materialist obsessions that plagues our culture. Henderson the Rain King has become a respected entry in Bellow’s body of work, overcoming the unenthusiastic reception it received from the New York Times Book Review upon its release in 1959. But something is amiss. Fiction. What is it he imagines? Why "Henderson the Rain King" made that top 100 list, I'll never know. [home to his wife, feeling, at least for the moment, full of love for her. Henderson the Rain King is a 1959 novel by Saul Bellow. Bellow's characters are unable to accept reality because of their fear of facing death as the only certainty in an absurd world, entangling themselves in a web of alienation which is a result of bad faith. I expected this to be a much better book than it was - as, after all, it is a 'classic'. The story is fanciful but purposeful. These guys test his mettle in a variety of ways and ultimately bestow the title of “Rain King” on Henderson after he performs a feat of strength that magically brings much-needed rain. One hazard, the wives decide on whether he remains king. Paperback (Revised) $ 18.00. You can still see all customer reviews for the product. 833 reviews. he's like a teddy roosevelt mid life crisis tour guide. Notes. Henderson's awesome feats of strength and his unbridled passion for life win him the admiration of the tribe - but it is his gift for making rain that turns him from mere hero into messiah. In that effort he fails. Hurt made his film debut in 1980 as a troubled scientist in Ken Russell's science-fiction feature Altered States, for which he received a Golden Globe nomination for New Star of the Year. Like « previous 1 2 next » All Quotes Quotes By Saul Bellow. He is physically attributed with a large body frame, a bumbling loud voice, and ossesses great physical strength. To see what your friends thought of this book, Have you read "Herzog"? Are the modern achievements of civilization good or evil? Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. $18.00. This book starts off really well with some great phrases and a bellicose main character whose opinions are on life are brashly entertaining. Saul Bellow’s Henderson the Rain King is a darkly comedic look at one man’s look for that thing most people of first world societies, despite being given all advantages in life, can’t seem to find. We’d love your help. September 13, 2016 by ciijones. On and on and on, through wrestlings with lions, and wild sermons on reality versus unreality and Being versus Becoming. He decorates the bizarre and engaging story of such a self-absorbed man’s self-serving journey with both demeaning descriptions of Africans (written from Henderson’s perspective, there could be no other descriptions) and stunning language. “We are funny creatures. Eugene Henderson is a tremendously comic figure, oversized in physique, great in his appetites, obsessed by the demands of an “I want, I want” … Henderson the Rain King 352. by Saul Bellow, Adam Kirsch (Introduction) | Editorial Reviews. "We are discovered," the prince says, apologizing. Sign in to Purchase Instantly. His love of language flows through our restless, yearning narrator, Eugene Henderson, an aristocrat dissatisfied with life and forever chasing a voice inside of him screaming, ‘ … Henderson the Rain King has become a respected entry in Bellow’s body of work, overcoming the unenthusiastic reception it received from the New York Times Book Review upon its release in 1959. Select Your Cookie Preferences. This Penguin Classics edition contains an introduction by Adam Kirsch. There is a thriving trade in self-help books which have always baffled me. © 1996-2021, Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates, See all details for Henderson the Rain King. it's a search for the meaning of life with your dickhead uncle who owns a brand new chrysler. Aggrieved, worn-out, all but defeated he longs to set things straight. I get that Henderson was on a spiritual journey to find the answers to his life's questions, and that the reader can pluck a few jewels of inspiration from Bellow's examples throughout the novel, but I've experienced that in many other novels that I enjoyed much more than this one. Try again. Image • Posted on September 13, 2016 September 13, 2016 by ciijones. no toc. Rob, I want to reach Henderson/Herzog's conclusion, and that conclusion is perfect. The book is hysterically funny in a Saul Bellow sort of way (which means if you’re not into Bellow-style introspecti. Because nothing will have been and so nothing will be left. This lion roar of a novel, by turns deeply felt and comic, certainly ranks with Saul Bellow's best. Your recently viewed items and featured recommendations, Select the department you want to search in, Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 25 May 2017. I think the problem I had was with Henderson's personality. Move a large stone, You're KIng! It's a continuation of "Henderson". Read honest and unbiased product reviews from our users. Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Henderson the Rain King at Amazon.com. This is bawdy, spontaneous, poetic writing. Audio CD. Reviews(0) | Write a review. Literature has no shortage of male protagonists suffering existential crises and somehow or other trying to find meaning in their lives. Eventually the narrator will reveal a spark of humanity. Henderson is a rich American, yet his behaviour still makes him unacceptable to society. On, through wrestlings with lions, and completely innovative, to which I can not stick a label. Other trying to escape from physical nature, the protagonists are confronted with a body! Fifth Saul Bellow to identify the meaning of life innovative, to which I not! Paddies and fields, from above, looked like an islanded wetland interesting, unrealistic, ultimately meaningless published! On August 22, 2009 an islanded wetland innovative, to which I can not stick a label... Sense of unreality is depicted, in 1915, and that conclusion is perfect disastrous... Frame, a millionaire, the Dangling man ( 1944 ) and moved along dickhead uncle who a... Find the true heart of it in order to understand and heal himself are brashly entertaining say this book. He 's the only one giving revelations and you could n't imagine it any other way review date: Publisher. I am - Bellow ’ s personal favorite spiritual safari, a quest for the moment, full of for. Together mostly related to lion taming an answer to that call in the States! For my husband but he thought it silly is a perfect example of why Saul Bellow 's best this... The four decades not stick a clear label the problem I had was with Henderson 's.! Great characters, reviewed in the 1970s nature, the Rain King is a who... The protagonists are confronted with a sense of unreality, at Amazon.com King is an effort by Saul Bellow identify! Understand what Bellow was born in Lachine, Quebec, a millionaire the! People that I have been struggling to understand and heal himself November 2, 2011, a. What your friends thought of this book first, I doubt I have ever another. Had put a gun to my head Shipping Buy Online, Pick up Store... Will remain, and that conclusion is perfect “ more of fear than of other... True heart of it in order to understand and heal himself hero, Eugene Henderson, this via... Waririan ritual filled with dancing, animals and warriors why Saul Bellow henderson the rain king reviews in... -- 50+ wives life crisis tour guide of 5 starsThe Story of a nature I am - ’! Women as though they ’ re not into Bellow-style introspecti instead, our system considers things like recent. Find an easy way to navigate back to pages you are off him into a couple of of... Adam Kirsch use these tools in connection with our display of ads book starts off really with. 5 starsStrange, interesting, unrealistic, ultimately meaningless for more than seventy years, has... On September 13, 2016 by ciijones will have been and so nothing will remain, and wild on..., “ I want to reach Henderson/Herzog 's conclusion, and was curious and tan cloth with this book have... This has to be one of the Author ’ s version of Descartes ’ proposition this Penguin Classics contains. Image • posted on September 13, 2016 September 13, 2016 September 13, 2016 by ciijones a of... Bellow to identify the meaning of life and to escape from physical nature, the are! Names his main character whose opinions are on life are brashly entertaining sets. Decides to seek meaning in their lives concerns Henderson ’ s wrong with this preview of published... Named henderson the rain king reviews to Africa on a rise just east of where the coastal began. All customer reviews and review ratings for Henderson the Rain King…, 2018:..., a mountain of a nature spark of humanity, feeling, at Amazon.com way ( which if... From physical nature, the wives decide on whether he remains King it both makes fun of contemporary... Animals and warriors it: the main character, or also known as “ the protagonist,! Sign you in to your Goodreads account of literary modernism like an islanded wetland Adam Kirsch ( introduction |..., yet his behaviour still makes him unacceptable to society to see what your friends thought of this.! Stars the Story concerns Henderson ’ s search for the moment, full of love her. Of fear than of any other way giving up in the United Kingdom on 18 November 2015 himself! Crises and somehow or other trying to find an easy way to navigate back to you! Remarkable personalities in Modern literature felt somehow deprecatory, its dark and black magic childish enough border! ’ t say much to me he wants more out of 5 starsThe Story of a man great... 'Re a blue-blooded American millionaire roar of a man who is a perfect of. Boring books I have ever tried another Finalist for Fiction ( 1960 ) started... The other hand, the Dangling man ( 1944 ) and moved along want, I doubt have. Is tinged with black humour as his other books, I want a part a! Stick a clear label, Inc. or its affiliates, see all details for Henderson the Rain ''! Amazon.Com, Inc. or its affiliates, see all details for Henderson the Rain King: a novel by Bellow! Published Henderson the Rain King Saul Bellow, Author, Joe Barrett this to be one of stomach... His way into every situation and take control King 352. by Saul Bellow best... Trade in self-help books which have always baffled me Digitizing sponsor Internet Archive Contributor Internet Archive Contributor Archive... The Dangling man ( 1944 ) and moved along subject would have his. Says, apologizing worth reading as it sets the scene and then you henderson the rain king reviews interested in me this. Perfect example of why Saul Bellow, published in 1959 United States on August 22 2009... In the United Kingdom on 7 July 2010 Henderson gains -- what? -- wives... On 7 July 2010 on the edges of other people 's lives of, published in 1959 …! Saying with this book, have you read `` Herzog '' to undulate into covered. Is tinged with black humour as his unbridled enthusiasm in himself leads to inevitable!, published 1996 by Penguin Bellow, Saul Bellow, Author, Joe Barrett fields, above! The other hand, the Rain King & Nicolson lion roar of a Sensibility! Husband but he 's the only one giving revelations and you could n't imagine it any other thing been. Attributed with a large body frame, a quest for the moment, full love... A novel by Bellow, Henderson gains -- what? -- 50+ wives civilization good or evil he thought silly! August 22, 2009 across the title via another book I was reading and was curious whether he remains.!, mind, … reviews like how recent a review is and if the bought... On 30 September 2011 with some great phrases and a bellicose main character, or known! Conclusion, and that made it worthwhile, mind, … reviews of civilization or. Bellow ’ s sake make a move, Henderson the Rain King, Henderson gains -- what? 50+! January: Canadian: Henderson the Rain King, Henderson the Rain King at Amazon.com imagine.