Adam Begley, Updike

Abstract

Adam Begley’s Updike satisfies every hunger a reader might have for a good literary biography: sound reporting, trenchant analysis, numerous and apt examples of John Updike’s writing and evidence of a respect for his subject. Begley follows a chronological path through Updike’s bustling writer’s life, examining along the way important moments and milestones that inspired his writing. Begley also makes dozens of connections between the author’s life and his work. Few important events in Updike’s life went unused in his fiction and poetry. Begley’s triumph in Updike is to reveal these connections, shine light on them and explain why they are important. He does so with a keen eye, a sensitive ear and an instinctive empathy for John Updike’s life and art.