A very powerful and imaginative book that is full of life and well worth reading. ( )

Saul Bellow's novel, Henderson the Rain King, a story of self doubt, reads a bit like an early ancestor of Twin Peaks. Largely due to voice of the main character in the tale, Henderson, the reader is swept back and forth in time and to and fro with each thought or memory in Henderson's mind. The result, though, is a complex and nakedly complete view of Henderson, his fragile ego, and his toothless yearnings to become more than he is. Henderson's mind is typically filled with dark, brooding, and deprecating thoughts. He has never developed an inner strength equal to his physical strength and social position. Consequently, he seems to meander through life, unable to grasp anything or anyone with any true zest.

The early portions of the story are recounted looking back as Henderson has already embarked on a last minute trip to Africa, the guest of friend on honeymoon. Henderson tells of his childhood, his father, his first marriage, his affair with the woman who would become his second wife, and the malaise which led him to abandon his life in search of a persistent but unidentifiable desire for....something.

Henderson quickly abandons his cohorts upon reaching Africa and strikes out on his own to see the unseen Africa. Led by Romilayu, an incomprehensibly faithful servant, and armed with a pith helmet which secrets his passport and four thousand dollars, Henderson wanders the African desert. The two first encounter the peaceful, and somewhat languid, Arnewi. The Arnewi's sacred cattle are dying of thirst because a plague of frogs has descended on the villages drinking cistern. Henderson sees an opportunity to redeem himself and sets about solving the villages problem. When his ill thought plan ends in tragedy, Henderson skulks out of the village with more self doubt over the failure.

Henderson next encounters the Wariri, a more physical and ruthless tribe. Here, in an act of physical prowess, Henderson enscritps himself to be a village leader. Out of place and out of sorts, he befriends the village king, Dhafu, who tries to help him become more than he is. Dhafu tries to teach Henderson to change his thinking, attempting to educate him that his feelings of insecurity are a product of a weak heart and mind. Henderson's education is ultimately destined to require more of him than he is willing to give, for Dhafu's dedication to a pure way of life is costly.

Bellow's story is somewhat patchy, again owing largely to his attempt to put the reader completely in Henderson's mind, an unpleasant and often disturbing place. So, while Bellow managed to accomplish the task he set out for himself, it made the reading of the story less enjoyable for me. The story itself, though, was worth the effort. Having read some other Bellow writing, he is not the friendliest of writers but he can be compelling.

Three bones!!! ( )

I read this in school. I like the song Rain King by Counting Crows better than this book that it was based on, but the book was still interesting, as it was about a man in Africa and I love other cultures. I should probably read it again. ( )

A great comedic novel, and my absolute favorite by Bellow. His books tend to be weighed down by gloom, but this one somehow manages to have fun with nihilism: no small feat. ( )

to read again