Book Review – Rabbit, Run by John Updike

Usually I most enjoy reading non-fiction, but every once in a while I like to throw in a novel for variety. I generally let time be my filter, sticking mostly to novels that have stood the test of time. Since my reading opportunities are limited, rather than weeding through questionable contemporary novels, I typically concentrate on novels already identified as classics. John Updike recently passed away. Updike is considered one of the most prolific and skilled American writers of his time. Updike wrote novels, short stories, and poetry. In honor of John Updike’s passing, I decided to tackle probably his most famous novel – Rabbit, Run.

Rabbit, Run is the first novel in what eventually became a four novel series chronicling the life of “every man” Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom. Harry is a former high school basketball standout now in his late 20’s dealing with a seven-year-itch-type crisis in his life and marriage. The story centers on Harry’s struggles finding direction in a suburban family life of mediocrity that seems to have boxed him in. He feels he has few options in a disappointing life, and takes to physically fleeing to escape his troubles. However, Harry finds his life “on the road” provides only a temporary respite, in the end leading to more problems for Harry as well as the people he leaves behind.

John Updike has said that he wrote Rabbit, Run as a response to Jack Kerouac's On the Road. On the Road is considered a seminal 1960's novel that helped usher in the "beat generation". Updike's version of the escapist-adventure novel is considered more pedestrian in literary circles. Updike's character escapes to the next town rather than across the country. To me, Rabbit, Run was more enjoyable. It was more real than On the Road. Kerouac's characters struggle little with their responsibilities. They are consumed with a hedonistic quest, worrying little about other people, or really even themselves. Although he does work some odd jobs from time to time, the main character in On the Road is routinely wired money from an aunt in New Jersey. It's easier be wild and free when you are not bound by responsibilities, and have the life-line of an aunt back in Jersey to bail you out. Harry Angstrom in Rabbit, Run struggles to balance his responsibilities against his need for independence. The tone of his adventures are shaped more by Harry's inner feelings of guilt, misgivings, and carnal needs, rather than having adventures fueled by the synthetic aid of drugs and alcohol. Updike spends more time exploring the people left behind. He goes into detail on the reaction of the parents, wife, children, and even the community to Harry's abscondment.

John Updike writes in a style of great detail. He is able to describe scenes down to the littlest detail. This writing style can be a bit of an acquired taste. At first you ask yourself if it's really critical to the plot to describe every fold of a curtain, or every brick of a building. However, by the middle of the novel you come to appreciate Updike's attention to detail as an entire world comes together. As I read the novel, I was astonished to think that Updike, who wrote this novel in his twenties, could be such a polished writer at such a young age. You begin to not only see the novel, but hear, smell, taste, and feel the world of Harry Angstrom. Updike takes a rather unremarkable main character, and makes him interesting by painting an entire world around him. But more remarkable than the details of Harry Angstrom's physical world, are the details in which Harry's feelings are presented. Updike is able to explain Harry's emotions in such a way that is relatable. Throughout the novel, as Updike skillfully describes in great detail what Harry is feeling and thinking, one is able to call upon a time when you had similar feelings. Although unremarkable from the outside, this exquisite inner view into Harry's mind and heart makes Harry the "every man" interesting.

The novel ends abruptly, leaving you wanting more. This certainly must have been what Updike was going for considering 3 other novels followed (Rabbit Redux, Rabbit is Rich, and Rabbit at Rest) in the Rabbit series.