Herzog
Herzog
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1964
Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
New York • 1960s
1964
Adult
18+ years
850L
Super Short Summary
In Saul Bellow's Herzog, middle-aged Moses Herzog navigates an emotional and spiritual crisis, writing unsent letters to various people and historical figures as he grapples with the breakdown of his second marriage, reflections on modern society, and his feelings of alienation, ultimately seeking renewal and meaning in 1960s America. This novel confronts themes of mental health, infidelity, and familial conflict.
Contemplative
Melancholic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
22,784 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Herzog by Saul Bellow is praised for its deep exploration of intellectual and emotional struggles, showcasing Bellow's distinctive prose and rich character development. Reviews highlight its brilliance in capturing the human condition but note its dense, introspective style may not appeal to all readers. Overall, it's lauded as a significant literary work, though potentially challenging.
Who Should Read Herzog?
A reader who enjoys Herzog by Saul Bellow would appreciate introspective, character-driven novels that explore themes of identity, intellectual struggle, and personal crisis. Fans of Philip Roth’s Portnoy’s Complaint or John Updike’s Rabbit, Run may find similar satisfaction in Bellow’s rich prose and deep psychological insights.
22,784 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
New York • 1960s
1964
Adult
18+ years
850L
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