In the Beauty of the Lilies

A Novel

By: John Updike

Narrated by: Jason Culp

Faith ultimately bursts into flame as Updike's major new novel, charting the lives of one family through four generations, shows readers an America whose dream of perfection is translated into an obsession with God and the Moving Picture. Paterson, New Jersey, 1910: When a Presbyterian minister suddenly loses his faith and leaves the pulpit to become a salesman, he becomes a movie addict as well.

Critic reviews

“Dazzling . . . a book that forces us to reassess the American Dream and the crucial role that faith (and the longing for faith) have played in shaping the national soul.”—The New York Times

“Stirring and captivating and beautifully written . . . This is the Updike of the Rabbit books, who can take you uphill and down with his grace of vision, his gossamer language, and his merciful, ironic glance at the misery of the human condition.”—The Boston Globe

“Updike’s genius, his place beside Hawthorne and Nabokov have never been more assured.”—George Steiner, The New Yorker

Pacing of read aloud was perfect

Updike’s novel is timeless. Like many of his novels, it left me wanting to know more.

Life lessons

The generational saga of a family is brilliantly told and shows empathy and respect to each individual’s life story.

updike certainly can paint a picture with his words and has such beautiful little insights on human nature .

well, this book takes a very hard left turn at the end . I personally didn't like the ending he made . all in all, a very good book . almost a great book . worth your time. the orator was superb!

Family saga

I liked the telling of the Wilmott family thru the decades. Clarence, Danny, Essie and Clark each face issues that they must face.

In the Beauty of the Lillies

Extraordinary craftsmanship and a compelling story. My second time through after reading it many years ago. Timeless brilliance.