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Rabbit at Rest

Book 4 in the series:Rabbit Angstrom

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'Rabbit at Rest' by John Updike is the fourth and final installment in the Rabbit Angstrom series, following the life of Harry Rabbit Angstrom in his hometown near Brewster, Pennsylvania. The book delves into Rabbit's midlife crises, his relationships with his family, particularly his son Nelson, and the conflicts that arise within the family. Set in the late 80s, the novel captures the essence of American life during that time period, exploring themes of family dynamics, societal mores, and personal introspection. Updike's writing style intricately weaves together detailed observations, vivid descriptions, and inner narratives, providing a deep insight into Rabbit's character and his journey through life.

Characters:

The characters are multifaceted, displaying growth and moral complexity, primarily revolving around Rabbit and his familial interactions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is characterized by elaborate descriptions and insightful dialogue, though at times it becomes overly elaborate for some readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot centers around themes of aging as Rabbit faces declining health and dysfunctional family relationships, particularly with his son, amidst cultural reflections of the late 1980s.

Setting:

The setting captures both regional and temporal elements of American life in the late 1980s, enhancing the narrative context.

Pacing:

The pacing varies; it is generally slow-paced, filled with detailed narratives, which can lead to reader fatigue.
STANDING amid the tan, excited post-Christmas crowd at the Southwest Florida Regional Airport, Rabbit Angstrom has a funny sudden feeling that what he has come to meet, what’s floating in unseen about...

Notes:

Rabbit at Rest is the fourth and final book of the Rabbit series by John Updike.
The main character, Harry Rabbit Angstrom, is 55 years old and living part-time in Florida.
Harry is portrayed as tired, overweight, and in poor health as he faces aging.
The story reflects the cultural and social issues of the late 1980s in America, including drug use and family dynamics.
The character Nelson, Rabbit's son, is depicted as a troubled individual struggling with drug addiction and mismanaging the family business.
Harry undergoes a heart attack, which adds depth to his character and reflects on medical advancements at the time.
The book is noted for its rich and insightful dialogue, particularly between Harry and his granddaughter.
There are references to current events, cultural norms, and the medical industry during the time the book is set.
Readers have mixed feelings about Harry's character, as he is seen as flawed and self-absorbed yet relatable.
The writing style incorporates vivid descriptions and sometimes florid prose, which can be polarizing for readers.
The narrative often emphasizes the trivial aspects of life, suggesting a theme of existential reflection.
The series overall offers a critical look at American society from the late 1950s to 1990, revealing societal mores and values.
Updike's literary craftsmanship has earned him accolades, including the Pulitzer Prize for fiction.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Triggers include explicit sexual content, drug use, themes of self-destruction, and graphic depictions of aging and death.

Has Romance?

While the book features elements of romance, they are overshadowed by the protagonist's struggles and the novel's focus on personal issues.

From The Publisher:

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, the Howells Medal, and the National Book Critics Circle Award

In John Updike's fourth and final novel about Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, the hero has acquired a Florida condo, a second grandchild, and a troubled, overworked heart. His son, Nelson, is behaving erratically; his daughter-in-law, Pru, is sending him mixed signals; and his wife, Janice, decides in midlife to return to the world of work. As, through the year of 1989, Reagan's debt-ridden, AIDS-plagued America yields to that of the first George Bush, Rabbit explores the bleak terrain of late middle age, looking for reasons to live and opportunities to make peace with a remorselessly accumulating past.

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About the Author:

JOHN UPDIKE is the author of more than sixty books, eight of them collections of poetry. His novels won the Pulitzer Prize, the National Book Award, the National Book Critics Circle, and the William Dean Howells Medal of the American…

 
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