Henderson the Rain King Audiobook By Saul Bellow cover art

Henderson the Rain King

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Henderson the Rain King

By: Saul Bellow
Narrated by: Joe Barrett
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Saul Bellow evokes all the rich colors and exotic customs of a highly imaginary Africa in this acclaimed comic novel about a middle-aged American millionaire who, seeking a new, more rewarding life, descends upon an African tribe. Henderson's awesome feats of strength and his unbridled passion for life win him the admiration of the tribe - but it is his gift for making rain that turns him from mere hero into messiah. A hilarious, often ribald story, Henderson the Rain King is also a profound look at the forces that drive a man through life.

©1959, 2019 Saul Bellow (P)2019 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Witty
Compelling Storytelling • Vivid Descriptive Writing • Perfect Narration • Meaningful Themes • Gravelly Voice
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Nice to revisit this author—last read Mr. Sammlers planet in college 30 year ago. Comes across a little outdated, but is accessible and thought-provoking. Bellow wears his feelings his sleeve. Sometimes it’s endearing, sometimes it’s really annoying.

Enjoyed it

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As usual for Bellow, deeper ideas are subtle . The protagonist gradually and systematically turns his liabilities into assets and transforms himself . There is much symbolism along the way. Unusual for Bellow, the plot becomes a page turner. Narration is is amazing and brings the book alive.

Narration Fantastic and Great Plot

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I was put off at first by the ugliness of the main character but the originality of the narrative held me. This book is a delight and a bit of a study on human nature and the urge to achieve enlightenment and fulfillment. The descriptions are vivid. I highly recommend.

Fascinating and enlightening

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I had a copy of this paperback novel since I was a child, and for some reason, I carried it with me from apartment to house to house for nearly six decades. Why? I have no idea, but now in my old age, I decided to tackle it, by listening to the audible and following along in my torn, yellowed paperback version, and it's quite a book. Lots of things wrong with it, of course. Bellow creates his own version of Africa, complete with pigmies and stereotype Africans and ---yes, I read reviews, and I know this 1959 novel is reviled for its portrayals of Tarzan-movie like dark continent 'types.'. But, there's something quite mesmerizing about this tale. Bellow invented nearly everything in it, including a wonderful lion. So a white millionaire goes to Africa and undergoes a change, influenced by an African King who encompasses all these values Henderson doesn't have: A sense of self-worth, a love for nature, and a down-to-earth understanding of humanity. This is a coming of age novel, except Henderson is not 13. He's 56. He grows up and comes back to America, a changed man. I loved the performance and really enjoyed the lessons he learns. This is my first introduction to Bellow and it made me want, want, want more. (That's a word Henderson uses quite often.)

Bellow's Fictional Africa

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No spoilers here. Three things to know about Henderson the Rain King:
 
1)    The narration is spot-on – first-rate, makes the book sing. As an Audible snob, one who won’t buy a selection because of the narration, or will quit one, I warrant that this is an award-winning narration that confirms that Barrett or his director very clearly understood Henderson’s character. Barrett’s gravelly voice, pacing, glib deliveries, and roller-coaster changes in emotionality and tone perfectly reflect the qualities that make Henderson who he is. The narration propels the novel. I’ve seen other reviewers who didn’t like the narration. For me, Joe Barrett makes the book.


2)    If you’re new to Bellow, this is a great place to start. Excellent descriptive writing, well-fleshed-out characters, meaningful themes, and superior plotting that stands up to review and continues to reveal the author’s mastery after you’re done. Comic, existential, and poetic, all at once. A whole universe within. Plus, it’s just a great story well told.


3)    Lastly, this is a novel that deserves study, and contemplation – there is so much here. I purchased a companion hard copy to go along with my listening. If you’re motivated to do that, I recommend getting the Penguin Classics paperback edition with the introduction by Adam Kirsch (published 2012, ISBN 978-0-14-310548-0), but I highly suggest that you refrain from reading Kirsch’s excellent intro before finishing the book, and not because the intro has spoilers. Kirsch’s intro is outstanding and illuminating, and it reveals depth, perspective, and context that is more satisfying to discover after you’ve experienced the story.

Excellent resonant story-telling brought to life by a wonderful narrative performance

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If you have read Bellows you will love Joe Barrett’s reading. It is outstanding. An American classic

Wonders

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Listen for yourself. Some have heard racism in Bellow's words. I think they just don't get it.

Do not miss this remarkable performance

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A bit long but I did enjoy the ending. I just have a hard time with 1950 attitudes toward women and man’s purpose.

Hearing about a man’s trouble from 1950’s is interesting

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This is my personal favorite Saul Bellow book. And on audio, it's even better yet. The narrator's gravelly old-style voice matches the story perfectly. I was mesmerized immediately by the narration & so caught up in the storytelling, that I listened for hours before forcing myself to quit to get some sleep. It's that good! Highly recommend this on Audible.

modern classic

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the performance seemed a little hurried on occasion other than that it was great just like I remembered as a child

headline for my review

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