The Actual (novel)
1997 novella by Saul Bellow
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The Actual is a 1997 novella by the American author Saul Bellow.
First edition cover | |
| Author | Saul Bellow |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Viking/Penguin Books |
Publication date | 1997 |
| Publication place | United States |
| Media type | Print (Hardback & Paperback) |
| Pages | 104 |
| ISBN | 0-670-86075-1 |
| OCLC | 36017249 |
| 813/.52 21 | |
| LC Class | PS3503.E4488 A63 1997 |
Plot synopsis
Like most of Bellow's fiction, the story centers on the lives of a group of passionate and anxious people living in Chicago. Harry Trellman has formed a friendship with the fabulously wealthy Sigmund Adletsky. Sigmund aims to bring Harry together with Harry's childhood sweetheart, Amy Wustrin.
Reception
Publishers Weekly called it "(a) kind of an affectionate, latter-day 'Lovesong of J. Alfred Prufrock", in which "plot (is) secondary".[1] Kirkus Reviews considered it to be "witty" and "sharp", with "vividly sketched characters" but "perfunctory" plotting.[2] In the Guardian, Martin Amis called it "scrupulously written".[3]
