I’m forcing my way through “Henderson, the Rain King” by Saul Bellow, and I’m not fond of it thus far. However, I’ll concede that I’m not TOO far into it. Henderson’s just met Itelo, so I’m only about 70 pages in.
I was really anxious to read it based off of the back cover description. And the fact that the song Rain King by Counting Crows seems inspired by it (after all, there is a line that says “Mister Henderson is waiting for the sun”).
However, I’m very disappointed. It seems disconnected, dull, and doesn’t seem to really go anywhere.
Should I finish it? Why or why not?
Well, I remember that I read it in the 80’s. I don’t remember anything else about it, and I remember coming out of my period of reading Saul Bellow not understanding what the big deal was supposed to be about Saul Bellow. Take that for what it’s worth.
That’s the answer, if you ask why you should finish it …don’t bother.
I used to obsessively finish every book I started. At some point I became proud because I learned how to skim the rest of the crappy book. Then I finally learned how to just chuck the book aside. I reclaimed many hours of my life. Apparently when you die they don’t test you on what you read.
I had exactly the same experience (bought the book used because the title caught my eye because of the Counting Crows lyrics) and never finished it.
If a song’s going to make you read a book, listen to Don’t Stand So Close to Me by The Police and then read Lolita. You won’t get bored with that one.