719. Rabbit is Rich

Rabbit is Rich
John Updike
1981
Around 480 pages

This is the conclusion of the Updike novels on our List, although there are two other entries in the Rabbit Run series. I am eager to find out what happens to Harry Angstrom, but I don't want to say goodbye to this character yet. Yes, he's a reprehensible jerk, but he's our reprehensible jerk.

Harry Angstrom is still married to Janice, and is actually wealthy now after inheriting his late father-in-law's car dealership. He is still our Harry though, so he is still dealing with domestic issues and the consequences of his philandering.

I can't think of many characters in literature we get to know as well as Harry. In many ways he is the quintessential American man, but Updike manages to imbue him with enough humanity that he never feels like he is just there to fulfill an archetype. All of the characters are flawed in very real ways, although Nelson still annoys me the most.

The frequent objectification of women is hard to stomach, but it is very true to the character of Harry, who is in constant conflict with himself. He wants women, but hates them as well, which is a tale as old as Adam's dick. In Updike's capable hands, even the scenes of everyday life are riveting. 

Bye Harry! You were a total ass, but I forgive you.

RATING: ****-

Interesting Facts:

Won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1981. 

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