Henderson the Rain King
Henderson the Rain King
Book Brief
352
Novel • Fiction
Africa • 1950s
1959
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Henderson the Rain King follows Eugene Henderson, a dissatisfied fifty-five-year-old man who travels to Africa to escape the turmoil of his home life. There, he becomes involved with two tribes, the Arnewi and the Wariri, and their struggles, attempting to help them but often creating more challenges. His adventures lead to personal insights and ultimately a decision to pursue his dream of becoming a doctor.
Contemplative
Emotional
Humorous
Adventurous
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
16,314 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow is often praised for its vivid character development and existential exploration, offering readers a deep, humorous, and philosophical journey. Common criticisms include a meandering plot and occasional verbosity, which may detract from its overall impact. Despite this, the novel's unique narrative voice and thematic richness make it a notable work in American literature.
Who Should Read Henderson the Rain King?
A reader who delights in philosophical quests, rich character development, and whimsical yet profound prose would enjoy Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow. Fans of Catch-22 by Joseph Heller and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger will appreciate its existential themes and wry humor.
16,314 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Henderson the Rain King was published in 1959 and is considered one of Saul Bellow's most imaginative works, exploring philosophical and existential themes with a mixture of humor and depth.
The novel was inspired, in part, by Bellow's journey through Africa in the early 1950s, which he described in a series of essays for Holiday magazine.
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Henderson the Rain King was ranked number 21 on the Modern Library list of the 100 best English-language novels of the 20th century, highlighting its enduring literary significance.
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352
Novel • Fiction
Africa • 1950s
1959
Adult
18+ years
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