THE BOOK FAIR

Review:

Saul Bellow was born in Quebec, CA in 1915.  The author received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1976, the Pulitzer Prize, in 1976, the National Medal of Arts, in 1988, and the National Book Award in 1954, 1965 and 1971.  The author of many beloved novels, Saul Bellow died in Brookline, MA, in 2005.

 

“The Victim”, a novel of commentary on morality and obligation, focuses on Asa Leventhal, a Jewish middle-aged man who edits a small trade magazine.

Asa enjoys a stable marriage to the woman he loves, and takes responsibility for family members.  When Asa is suddenly followed by an old acquaintance, Albee, who accuses Asa of setting his life in disarray.  Asa at first balks, then later, questions whether or not his actions may have caused Albee’s downfall. Out of a sense of duty, Asa decides to help Albee who soon takes advantage of the kindness.

 

The anti-Semitic comments serve as an antagonist to Asa’s actions which symbolize the Jewish moral code of helping others in need.

Saul Bellow’s artistic talent to explore, define and reveal the essence of human nature in ordinary circumstances set his work apart.