Reviews

The Victim by Saul Bellow

dasbooch's review

4.0

A deeply introspective and nuanced novel which seems to wander on way too long. 3.5 Stars.

ohmygollylibby's review

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

funkbgr's review

reflective

3.0

nicinny's review

4.0

I adore Bellow I do, even so, some parts of this dragged for me. But the way he paints characters, Asa, the main character in particular, is as spectacular as always. You will endear him, begrudge him, and so much more as he figures these same things out about himself. Worth the read.

pearloz's review

2.0

Snore noir, really.

okt20's review

2.0

I must say that I was not really a fan of this book. I found it to be very dry and while I appreciated and found interest in Bellow's exploration of the human condition, I suppose I couldn't get into the execution of it. Additionally, Leventhal is a much too paranoid and selfish character for my liking; the plot seemed to significantly depend on Leventhal's insecurities to drive the story forward.

I should mention that I also read Dostoevsky's "The Eternal Husband" and found it to be absolutely exceptional. Being that Bellow's "The Victim" was inspired by Dostoevsky's short story, I think that my reading Dostoevsky partially tainted my experience with reading Bellow. I just found it that much harder to appreciate "The Victim."

spadeano's review

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

bokanovsky_bonaparte's review

challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

callyourselfareader's review

dark funny reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A reflection on the small decisions we make and how they can impact others in unforseen ways, coupled with the consequences we might face if held accountable. 

_sal_'s review

dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book was confusing to me in the right way I always found that the character of Albee perhaps felt Inclined to take away some of the sanity that he presumed Leventhall had taken from him. I think personally the stoicism that is shown through Leventhall is written perfectly as we slowly see him turning into a different person as the story progresses. The death of his nephew, the relationship with his brother, his wife being away for so long, and then of course albee fed into his already conflicted life.