Henderson the Rain King

By: Saul Bellow

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

Length: 14 hrs and 24 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

Enjoyed it

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 Comes across a little outdated, but is accessible and thought-provoking.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.

Fascinating and enlightening

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.

Wonders

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

Do not miss this remarkable performance

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

Bellow's Fictional Africa

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.)

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

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.

Funny and Powerful

One review called this racist, colonial, and an absurd farce. Another that Henderson was a Baron Munchhausen. I could not disagree more. This is a humorous book about a man facing his own mortality and fretful desires with incredible energy and love. Henderson’s quest is improbable, adventurous, transformational, and funny, but not absurd or farcical. There is nothing here close to Munchhausen riding a cannonball or taking lunar excursions.

I found the writing quite conversational yet subtly superb. The characters are well written and I found Henderson eminently likeable. He was flawed, but not more so than most, and he had an admirable and indomitable love of life. The book at one level is gruff and oozes manliness, yet under this very thin veneer one finds fear, loneliness, and powerlessness. All this, with humor on every page.

The narration is darn near perfect. It is difficult for me to imagine how it could be better. Barrett is clear and bombastic and uses tone to express the emotions just under the surface.

This is a classic and worthy of it praises. Worth listening to again.

Fantastic

A riveting and fantastic voyage of a novel. Has great insights about life and what it means to live with fulfillment. Really enjoyed this a great deal.

probably my favorite work of fiction

Maybe Bellow's best (and his favorite) .. I can't even tell you how great (and funny) a story this is... AND, now.. what a great listening experience. They couldn't have possibly gotten a better narrator.. What an effort this guy put in. He's note-perfect for Eugene Henderson. And also solid accent work to boot. If you've never read/heard this book, do yourself a huge favor....

Boring and tedious

I kept listening for the promised interesting part of the rain's arrival, but that proved to be anticlimactic. It's not worth it to have to listen to the protagonist's verbose whining about his dissatisfaction with life. He's a blight on everyone around him and wallows in self-pity. It's grating, and I ran out of patience once I realized it didn't improve after the rain.