sophronisba's review against another edition
4.0
I am a sucker for literary biographies, and this is a really really good one, on a par with Blake Bailey's Cheever biography. (I am a fan of Updike's work, which helps.) In particular, Updike's relationship with his mother is fascinating.
cdcsmith's review against another edition
4.0
While I didn't win this via Goodreads, I did when the ARC from elsewhere.
The problem with reviewing a book like this is separating the subject from the writing. I think this might be more true of a biography about a rather prolific author.
I found the writing easy to read and I think Begley did a very good job balancing how he portrayed Updike. I haven't read much Updike and I'll confess further. I haven't read his stuff in decades. After reading this book, I'll be re-reading some and perhaps reading other books for the first time. I didn't always like the choices Updike made, but as far as flawed human beings, I don't think he was the worst either.
I think what I liked the most was what Updike had to say about the craft of writing and reviewing. Definitely a recommended read for Updike fans.
The problem with reviewing a book like this is separating the subject from the writing. I think this might be more true of a biography about a rather prolific author.
I found the writing easy to read and I think Begley did a very good job balancing how he portrayed Updike. I haven't read much Updike and I'll confess further. I haven't read his stuff in decades. After reading this book, I'll be re-reading some and perhaps reading other books for the first time. I didn't always like the choices Updike made, but as far as flawed human beings, I don't think he was the worst either.
I think what I liked the most was what Updike had to say about the craft of writing and reviewing. Definitely a recommended read for Updike fans.
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