Henderson the Rain King

Man Searches for Meaning in Life

In Saul Bellow's book, 'Henderson the Rain King', he portrays many sides of a complex man. The main focus of the book tends to be on the drastic changes that occur to Eugene Henderson when he leaves the comfort of his million dollar artificial life in America, and ventures into the unspoiled regions of Africa. Leaving behind his crass attitude and all the miseries he brought upon himself and his family, he begins to have the signs of a midlife crisis and decides to venture into Africa. Once starting upon the journey in Africa, Henderson slowly begins to realize what he really wants to achieve in his life and comes out of the adventure with a greater sense of who he really is, and his new ambitions. The ending seems to just happen without revealing a key part of the story.

The setting of the book was what made all of the revelations possible for Henderson. After he goes away from the materialistic world he was raised in, he is forced into a new situation where money means nothing. In Africa, he is forced to be on the same level as the commoners as well as royalty. Seeing how other people live happily without everything he thought life is made up of, he realizes what he really wants to make himself happy. Such simplicity in the African world gives time to show his character development and the complexity in the issues he faces in finding who he really is.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The First Book I Ever Read by Choice

I picked up this book when I was 13 just after I had surgery. My parents took me to a getaway for the weekend and I spent it reading. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I credit Saul Bellow and my parents for my love of reading 30 years later.

why what happened

saul bellow wasn't creative and his language was to complex, he should provide notes or analisis like shakespere does, he needs to put more detail and open his mind more.

0 out of 3 people found this review helpful.

Reminder how complexed some people are

I was assigned this book by my Honors English teacher and I think that Hendersons character shows that even the strongest man (by physical appearance ) can be very weak on the inside. I enjoyed reading the book and can't wait to read me by this author.

0 out of 2 people found this review helpful.

very enjoyable

I enjoyed reading this book. Buy it, read it enjoy it. Great relaxation story kind of book. Interesting ideas.

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent study of self-discovery

I read this book as part of a Contemporary Literature course. It is about an unhappy man who travels to Africa to try to find himself. I enjoyed this book immensely- it has an exotic setting, an extremely interesting lead character, and very important life lessons. Anger, sadness, helplessness, depression, loss, contentment are all dealt with. I recommend this book to everyone!

0 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

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