Sign in with Facebook
Mark Porton's Reviews > Rabbit, Run
Rabbit, Run (Rabbit Angstrom, #1)
by
by
Rabbit, Run by John Updike
Contains some spoilers.
The main character, Harry ‘Rabbit� Angstrom is living in the 1960s (I assume) America, unhappily married to Janice, in fact there are certain aspects of her he despises. They have a child; life is bleak, and he decides to run away. He ends up in the reluctant arms of Ruth. What follows is a very gritty description of ordinary people living ordinary lives and putting up with the consequences of big decisions. To my mind, the events in this story are happening today, under some roof, in some suburb of some country, somewhere. In many places, all over the shop.
figure out where you’re going before you go there
That’s enough for the plot as most of my friends on GRs would have read this book � so I just want to dot point some of my thoughts and (yes) feelings about this rich piece of work, because my ‘feeling gland� has been working over-time the last few days and is still pumping out whatever hormones it pumps out, to make me feel this way, 24-hours after completing this classic.
This rambling list of mine is riddled with spoilers:
· Yes, Rabbit is not unique in the respect he wants to run away. From my own experience and observations, men (yes, us) have the propensity to disappear when things aren’t right, or more correctly aren’t perceived to be right. Rabbit is a master at this. Incorrigible.
· The consequences of running away, are usually dire to those impacted. This insult can be felt by the people we run away from (wife, children, in-laws, friends) and/or to the people we run to (new partner, stepchildren, new friends).
· In Rabbit’s case, he ran back AGAIN! When that happened, I practically fell off my chair! What?????
· The consequences of such actions can be a matter of life and death. In fact, the death of poor little baby Rebecca June made my heart break � I am sure I am not alone. Poor little girl, an innocent bystander. She just needed a bath.
· A man doesn’t have to physically leave to actually leave a marriage � take the episcopal priest Jack Eccles. He left his family without going anywhere, as his mind was always with other people, trying to solve their problems. His wife knew it, and this worsened during Rabbit’s troubles. But Jack was a good guy � in my view.
· Sex is very often (more often) a physical, rather than a loving act. Updike does a wonderful job (I experienced this with Roger’s Version � which I loved) of describing sex scenes. Make no mistake, these scenes are devoid of love and are downright gritty. Updike takes his own sweet time painting these sex scenes. Often ugly, riveting.
· The author does a wonderful job of putting sex high on the list of prime motivators for men. Rabbit is fixated by his desire for sex and women. Anything can set him off. One classic scene of him sitting behind a woman wearing a hat, with blonde curls escaping below the brim at a church service, gave him reason to act in the basest way when he got home - until he inevitably expunged his ‘terrible clot�.
· Relationships with parents can define us. Look at the way Rabbit’s mother treated him. He was very familiar with dismissive and insulting behaviour directed at him. So, when Janice or Ruth talked down to him or dismissed him in any way � it never deterred him, it might not have made him happy � but he still pursued what he wanted. His member remained engaged and curious, unsatisfied.
· Rabbit certainly believed his life was empty. The fact he was a high school basketball star may have had something to do with this as he couldn’t achieve those same heights in adult life - working as a vegetable peeler demonstrator or selling used cars at his father-in-law’s business. Bland stuff indeed.
· Running away achieves nothing in the way of positive outcomes, most likely the opposite occurs.
Sleep this night is not a dark haunted domain the mind must consciously set itself to invade, but a cave inside himself, into which he shrinks while the claws of the bear rattle like rain outside
For what it’s worth I’m not sure who I liked in this story, I know this is a warts and all reveal on ordinary people but........... yikes!
Okay, my most likable is Priest Eccles.
Most dislikeable is Rabbit (or Ruth).
Updike must have been EXHAUSTED during and after writing this story. Each sentence on every page seems to be constructed with great thought and care. Nothing is amiss here, it’s detailed but seems to be free-wheeling. It is rich, dense, and dirty. I was totally immersed in the world of Rabbit Angstrom, and I am so glad there are more books in the series � I need to see how he gets on. I am not optimistic.
5-Stars
Contains some spoilers.
The main character, Harry ‘Rabbit� Angstrom is living in the 1960s (I assume) America, unhappily married to Janice, in fact there are certain aspects of her he despises. They have a child; life is bleak, and he decides to run away. He ends up in the reluctant arms of Ruth. What follows is a very gritty description of ordinary people living ordinary lives and putting up with the consequences of big decisions. To my mind, the events in this story are happening today, under some roof, in some suburb of some country, somewhere. In many places, all over the shop.
figure out where you’re going before you go there
That’s enough for the plot as most of my friends on GRs would have read this book � so I just want to dot point some of my thoughts and (yes) feelings about this rich piece of work, because my ‘feeling gland� has been working over-time the last few days and is still pumping out whatever hormones it pumps out, to make me feel this way, 24-hours after completing this classic.
This rambling list of mine is riddled with spoilers:
· Yes, Rabbit is not unique in the respect he wants to run away. From my own experience and observations, men (yes, us) have the propensity to disappear when things aren’t right, or more correctly aren’t perceived to be right. Rabbit is a master at this. Incorrigible.
· The consequences of running away, are usually dire to those impacted. This insult can be felt by the people we run away from (wife, children, in-laws, friends) and/or to the people we run to (new partner, stepchildren, new friends).
· In Rabbit’s case, he ran back AGAIN! When that happened, I practically fell off my chair! What?????
· The consequences of such actions can be a matter of life and death. In fact, the death of poor little baby Rebecca June made my heart break � I am sure I am not alone. Poor little girl, an innocent bystander. She just needed a bath.
· A man doesn’t have to physically leave to actually leave a marriage � take the episcopal priest Jack Eccles. He left his family without going anywhere, as his mind was always with other people, trying to solve their problems. His wife knew it, and this worsened during Rabbit’s troubles. But Jack was a good guy � in my view.
· Sex is very often (more often) a physical, rather than a loving act. Updike does a wonderful job (I experienced this with Roger’s Version � which I loved) of describing sex scenes. Make no mistake, these scenes are devoid of love and are downright gritty. Updike takes his own sweet time painting these sex scenes. Often ugly, riveting.
· The author does a wonderful job of putting sex high on the list of prime motivators for men. Rabbit is fixated by his desire for sex and women. Anything can set him off. One classic scene of him sitting behind a woman wearing a hat, with blonde curls escaping below the brim at a church service, gave him reason to act in the basest way when he got home - until he inevitably expunged his ‘terrible clot�.
· Relationships with parents can define us. Look at the way Rabbit’s mother treated him. He was very familiar with dismissive and insulting behaviour directed at him. So, when Janice or Ruth talked down to him or dismissed him in any way � it never deterred him, it might not have made him happy � but he still pursued what he wanted. His member remained engaged and curious, unsatisfied.
· Rabbit certainly believed his life was empty. The fact he was a high school basketball star may have had something to do with this as he couldn’t achieve those same heights in adult life - working as a vegetable peeler demonstrator or selling used cars at his father-in-law’s business. Bland stuff indeed.
· Running away achieves nothing in the way of positive outcomes, most likely the opposite occurs.
Sleep this night is not a dark haunted domain the mind must consciously set itself to invade, but a cave inside himself, into which he shrinks while the claws of the bear rattle like rain outside
For what it’s worth I’m not sure who I liked in this story, I know this is a warts and all reveal on ordinary people but........... yikes!
Okay, my most likable is Priest Eccles.
Most dislikeable is Rabbit (or Ruth).
Updike must have been EXHAUSTED during and after writing this story. Each sentence on every page seems to be constructed with great thought and care. Nothing is amiss here, it’s detailed but seems to be free-wheeling. It is rich, dense, and dirty. I was totally immersed in the world of Rabbit Angstrom, and I am so glad there are more books in the series � I need to see how he gets on. I am not optimistic.
5-Stars
Sign into ŷ to see if any of your friends have read
Rabbit, Run.
Sign In »
Reading Progress
February 25, 2022
– Shelved as:
to-read
February 25, 2022
– Shelved
May 30, 2022
–
Started Reading
June 3, 2022
–
50.0%
"Well this is a treat - my second RU after Roger's Version - yes lots of ribaldry, humorous descriptions - obesity seems to predominate and descriptions of heavy legs. A bit funny and totally immersive!!!"
June 4, 2022
–
70.0%
June 6, 2022
– Shelved as:
updike
June 6, 2022
– Shelved as:
classics
June 6, 2022
– Shelved as:
5-stars
June 6, 2022
–
Finished Reading
Comments Showing 1-50 of 63 (63 new)
message 1:
by
Julie
(new)
-
rated it 5 stars
Jun 05, 2022 07:54AM
Oh, my. Look at you go!
reply
|
flag
Julie wrote: "Oh, my. Look at you go!"Hahaha - well, I finished it last night and LOVED it......I just need to get my thoughts together and rattle off a review!!
As brilliant as it is, it is far from being my favorite. You've only just begun, sir!
Brilliant review! I don’t remember reading this book or the other 3 in this series. I know that I read a couple, during my teens, but I can’t recall the titles translated into Portuguese.
I should get a copy of this book.
Thanks very much Nilton, it's worth a reread for sure. Brilliant stuff! 👏
So happy to stumble upon this review today. Updike nailed a number of issues in this book - and so did you in your review! Glad this was a hit, Mark. I'm right there with you about everything you wrote.
I will come back and read your review after I read the book. Looking forward to both.
@Charles thanks very much mate, much appreciated - its such a good book hey?
@Lisa I'll have to make sure not to miss your review! Lucky you....enjoy!
I guess you liked this one, Mark! Haha. I read this book when I was sixteen and really did not like it. I have promised myself I will reread it as I have a feeling I will appreciate it more now, as I am older and wiser and definitely know more of the world.
One of my favorite books ever, and these are some great thoughts. I don't care of characters are likable as long as they are interesting, but yeah, there are no good people in Updike books. Glad it was a great read for you!
Mark,I loved your response!
There's a movie out there, from 1990, called "Men Don't Leave." I don't know if you've ever seen it, but it's a film that has stayed in my memory, at least longer than most others.
I think it's interesting, this notion of "Men Don't Leave." Statistically speaking, they are less likely to leave, at least when compared to a dissatisfied woman, but I think they are a lot likelier to leave in an emotional/mental sense, which can be just as damaging, if not more.
I think what Rabbit does here is what a lot of men want to do, when the going gets tough--he bolts. Leaves, physically, and causes one big, fat mess. Let me tell you. . . if you make it to book #3 (my personal favorite of the series), you will see the full ramifications of his leaving, and of his returning.
Whether you like Updike's writing or not, I don't think anyone could ever accuse him of "not paying attention." After my sister read this series, I remember her mentioning that Updike doesn't miss anything around him, including chipped nail polish on a woman's toes. He was always, always paying attention.
"Rich, dense and dirty", yes!! Mark, you said it all in three words! I love your spontaneous observations and your reaction to this book. I can assure you it gets richer, denser and dirtier - as Julie said, you have a long way to go. You had me thinking: was Updike really exhausted? I think he mustn't have been able to write in any other way, than in these long, elaborate sentences. He sometimes wears down his readers long before he does so himself.
Ha, your most unlikeable character was Rabbit?! But you'll go on living with him for 4 more books, friend. Or are you the man who leaves? :))
Let's see if this 'marriage' will work out...;-)
I think an easy argument could be made for John Updike being an inexhaustible writer!(Please, please, Mark, deal with the weirdness that is Rabbit #2 and get to Rabbit #3!).
xoxo
Julie wrote: "I think an easy argument could be made for John Updike being an inexhaustible writer!Hahaha, perfect, Julie! With him, the argument was never exhausted.
Mark, your review put a smile on my face. As usual. I have avoided reading the Rabbit books until now. I have read many reviews of this book and still I continue to avoid it. I'm not sure why.
Glad this had your ‘feeling gland� working overtime. Love that expression. Great review Mark
Antoinette wrote: "I guess you liked this one, Mark! Haha. I read this book when I was sixteen and really did not like it. I have promised myself I will reread it as I have a feeling I will appreciate it more now, as..."Maybe as a 16 year old much of the content may have flown over your head Antoinette?? When I was 16 all I was thinking about was football (soccer) x 5, music, physics (and a little bit about girls) - but 16 year old girls tend to be a bit more mature than us ratbags, so you may have understood a fair more bit hey?
Time for a re-read my friend - go on, you know you want to :))
Terrific review, Mark. I hope I'll be as taken with his writing as others are.
A splendid review, Mark! You brought the details of this story to mind so vividly. I've waited far too long to move onto #2. Perhaps by the end of the year. What an obnoxious, hugely compelling character! :D
Bonnie G. wrote: "One of my favorite books ever, and these are some great thoughts. I don't care of characters are likable as long as they are interesting, but yeah, there are no good people in Updike books. Glad it..."Thanks very much Bonnie, I am with you all the way, 5-stars from you too!!!!!
Julie wrote: "Mark,I loved your response!
There's a movie out there, from 1990, called "Men Don't Leave." I don't know if you've ever seen it, but it's a film that has stayed in my memory, at least longer than ..."
Well that is an interesting stat Julie!! Women leave more than men? I am surprised. I know most of us are totally surprised when the woman partner tells us there's 'something wrong in this relationship'? Often we think things are just fine.
Rabbit certainly does make a mess and I can only see it getting worse!! I will read #2 in the next 3-4 books, I dont want to gobble them up all in one hit. Like I would a packet of Tim Tams!! (aussie classic)
I can cram two or more of these into my mouth at once!
But onto Updike, have you read "Roger's Version" - I loved that too. Were you blown out of the water when Rabbit returned to Ruth? I was - couldn't believe it. Anyway, I cant wait to read the others, but I must wait, otherwise I will have chocolate all over my face, feel a bit sick and have nothing else to look forward too!!
Violeta wrote: ""Rich, dense and dirty", yes!! Mark, you said it all in three words! I love your spontaneous observations and your reaction to this book. I can assure you it gets richer, denser and dirtier - as Ju..."Thanks so much Violeta - how can it get richer, denser and dirtier, no way!! If it does it will be even better - yes I can imagine readers (some) would wear out before him. I wonder whether he spoke in great deal too?
Your closing comment is brilliantly challenging and cheeky - well, I could well be the guy to leave him and I would make sure he'd be the last to find out!! (Bejeesus how's that for big talk?)
Julie wrote: "I think an easy argument could be made for John Updike being an inexhaustible writer!(Please, please, Mark, deal with the weirdness that is Rabbit #2 and get to Rabbit #3!).
xoxo"
That's brilliant Jools - I love the pressure, well in my next 3-4 books, #2 of the Rabbit saga will be read. But as I said, I dont want to gobble them all up too quickly :))
Anne (On semi-hiatus) wrote: "Mark, your review put a smile on my face. As usual. I have avoided reading the Rabbit books until now. I have read many reviews of this book and still I continue to avoid it. I'm not sure why."Well maybe he's not for everyone Annie! But it's bloody good, a bit raw and real, and Rabbit is a tosser - but that's what makes it brilliant!!!
Margaret M wrote: "Glad this had your ‘feeling gland� working overtime. Love that expression. Great review Mark"Thanks so much Margaret, I highly recommend this one!!
Yeah "Feeling Gland" - I wonder what hormones it would produce?
Sadulin
Angerosterone
Disgustitin
Fearogen
🤔
@Bianca.....this is a must read, honestly. If you read I hope you like it as much as I did, it's so good.
Great review, Mr President. I’ve read this a few years ago and all I can remember now is some muscular legs in the beginning and the tragedy in the end.
To be completely honest, I have no idea what to make of this character and the story itself so I “threw� it on my “I hate you then I love you� shelf a while ago.
P.S. Not questioning Updike’s skills as a writer, but I do wonder who’s going to read this once all the people born before 1980 are dead.
Candi wrote: "A splendid review, Mark! You brought the details of this story to mind so vividly. I've waited far too long to move onto #2. Perhaps by the end of the year. What an obnoxious, hugely compelling cha..."Oh you haven't read #2 yet Candi, I bet this story and Rabbit and his escapades are still vivid in your mind?? You're right he is obnoxious - but yes, as equally compelling. Thanks again :))
Pedro wrote: "Great review, Mr President. I’ve read this a few years ago and all I can remember now is some muscular legs in the beginning and the tragedy in the end.
To be completely honest, I have no idea ..."
Thanks so much Pedro!!! Funny how you mention the legs - Updike is brilliant at describing all parts of the body hey? Calves and thigh descriptions of the women mostly stay in mind mind. Most characters were also thick set or overweight to some extent. The ending was tragic. So sad. Great to see you gave this 5 stars my friend :))
I read all of Updike when I was young. He was terrific writer. None I have listed here. He is out of fashion entirely because he wrote man's man. But his work will survive. This is a and should ever be a classic.
Entirely the restless male who wants constant change/variety conquest and issue for interest over the next hill.
Just saw your comment Jeanette.....I agree about him being a terrific writer. It must be a finely honed skill to create a flawed character like Rabbit, but still have the reader give a stuff about what happens to him (good or bad). Your last comment is interesting too and I reckon you may be right!
How on earth did I miss your marvellous and thoughtful review, Mark, of one of my favourite books ever??What a rich character and series (#2 is pretty weird, though, easily the nadir of the lot) and I hope it continues to be read by astute readers for many decades to come.
Heya Robin, thanks too much, well I'm hardly surprised to read you're a big fan of this one. It is so, so good.I must get onto #2 in the next month or so, it's good to know thought it was the nadir. So, I can be reassured things'll only get better if I'm struggling with it.
Did you like Eccles and did you think Rabbit was a complete tool in this one? Or do you think I'm oversimplifying them both?
Okay, I am one of your few GR friends who has not yet read this one. So I stopped reading when I got to your rambling list and read your concluding paragraph.My take away--I should read this book.
Lisa wrote: "Okay, I am one of your few GR friends who has not yet read this one. So I stopped reading when I got to your rambling list and read your concluding paragraph.My take away--I should read this book."
YES!!!! Please do Lisa - and soon! I know it really impacted Antoinette, Rabbit gets under your skin - what a character. I can't wait to read your review :))
This is wild...I picked up this book, which has been on my shelf for YEARS, and thought to myself that I really need to finally read it. A few hours later I log on to GR and your review comes on my feed. Must be a sign. It made me feel a little better that I have at least one GR (well, had) friend who hadn't read it yet. Fantastic review! It encouraged me to move it up on my list.
Nice one, KP. I hope you enjoy it, mate, and I'm looking forward to your review!!
Really interesting review, Mark. You've reminded me of what I admired in John Updike books as well as what has been a little too much for me at times. What a writer though!
Fionnuala wrote: "Really interesting review, Mark. You've reminded me of what I admired in Philip Roth books as well as what has been a little too much for me at times. What a writer though!"Oh yes, indeed Fionnuala! He does get very close to an unpleasant line, but for me it's so raw and probably depicts what the lives of many/some people are - thanks so much :))
Excellent review Mark, the Classic is on my list, yet to find the book but I’ve found the 3rd one in the series.
Graham “Smell the Ink� wrote: "Excellent review Mark, the Classic is on my list, yet to find the book but I’ve found the 3rd one in the series."I hope you find #1 (and #2) Graham, Rabbit is certainly a character worth knowing - all this Rabbit talk, I think I need to read #3 soon now. Thanks again mate :))
Your 'feeling gland' had a good workout, Mark. I feel like I know Rabbit from your description. Not at all al likeable character. A stellar review.
Laysee wrote: "Your 'feeling gland' had a good workout, Mark. I feel like I know Rabbit from your description. Not at all al likeable character. A stellar review."It's probably a good thing I've been 12 months retired from working in health Laysee...."feeling gland"!! What was I thinking? Yes, Rabbit isn't at all likeable, but je makes for a fascinating story. Thanks again :))
Superb review Mark. I have always considered the Rabbit series one of the great literary achievements of our time. Updike's writing of each book in the series contemporary with the time he is writing, and the development of the Rabbit character over the course of the four books, was for me a searingly accurate portrait of late 20th century America.
Henry wrote: "Superb review Mark. I have always considered the Rabbit series one of the great literary achievements of our time. Updike's writing of each book in the series contemporary with the time he is writi..."I liked your review Henry, and isn't this a great series? I am ready to pick up #3 now - and see what trouble Rabbit is stirring up, I feel the bloke will never settle down, and cause mayhem to all those around him. Thanks very much :))
Mark, I felt the same way after his Centaur. Exposing his inner Oedipal complex publicly must have Hurt Like All Get-Out. Exhaustion Overdose! No wonder he was exhausted, poor man. He made a mockery of his inner self in public, and nothing hurts as much as that!
What an incredible review Mark, I can tell how moved you were by your wonderful ramblings😊
Fergus, Quondam Happy Face wrote: "Mark, I felt the same way after his Centaur. Exposing his inner Oedipal complex publicly must have Hurt Like All Get-Out. Exhaustion Overdose! No wonder he was exhausted, poor man. He made a mocker..."So sorry for the delay in replying Fergus, you know how notifications are on here currently. You're right nothing does hurt more than making a mockery of one's inner self in public......oh dear. He's a fascinating character Rabbit, thanks for checking in mate :))
