Roger's Version

Which contemporary author would dare to wrestle in one novel with themes of science vs. faith; computer technology; theology; infidelity; doubt; pain; loss; family struggle? Updike masterfully takes on each of these themes and left this reader breathless in admiration. Perhaps one of Updike's more suspenseful novels (not an adjective often used of his prose), I found the last third of the novel unbelievably compelling reading--the characters are real and deeply flawed--just as we are. An ambitious book that makes one better after reading it than before.

I am an avid reader of John Updike, but I sometimes have trouble relating to some of his characters. This novel centers around the theme of faith versus science in the world of divinity professor Roger Lambert, who is aging and questioning many things these days. When confronted by a faithful computer science student who believes he can use computers to prove the existence of God. Lambert is attracted to the idea and the debate but is, ultimately, intent on discouraging or discrediting the students efforts. As is always the case, the book is about much more than the theme. Updike captures the mood of the Reagan era, the environment of a decaying Northeastern city, and the attitudes and changes that come with aging like no other author can. This book shows, yet again, why Updike is a modern master of fiction. It is intellectual and engaging.

Reading this finally convinced me that Mr. Updike really is a true master of the language! It seems impossible to top this as purely imaginative, yet true to life commentary on 1984-85 America, written in 1986. When a 29 year old computer Grad Student approaches Roger, the ex Methodist Divine, now Theology Prof, about a Grant which the young man hopefully pursues to prove (?) the existence of the Deity through Computer Technology, we're off to a great start in world of Academia, Theology and Scepticism, Family History, Friendships, Race Relations, Medicine, Evolutionary Science, Computer Science (hard to follow, even if dated!), City Neighborhoods of all kinds, not to mention author's usual reflections on adultery and stale marriages. Note how Mr. Updike smoothly switches between 1st and 3rd Persons, which is probably Roger's dream version of his wife's seamy escapades. The very last sentence seems strange, but throws another loop into this fine and seamless story!

This is the first John Updike book I ever read, and it's still one of my favorites. I've since read many, many more, but this is the one that really stays with me. Even though I initially picked it up because I heard that it explored the theme of technology intersecting with theology, I quickly discovered that that was a secondary issue at best. Any disappointment I may have felt was short lived, however, as I soon became engrossed in the writing, the story, the characters, and the attention to detail. Not only does Updike masterfully capture place, time, and mood, but he uses such expressive, artful language to do it that even now, years later, I'm still able to recall whole sentences and snatches of dialogue. This book taught me that great writers go beyond using language merely to tell a story; they use it, like all great artists, to reveal underlying truths about the world and to get us to see and experience things in a new way.

This is one of John Updike's very best books-and that's saying something.The first chapter alone has more substance than just about anything else you'll read this year. All of the familiar Updike themes are here: religon,modern relationships,class,sex,family,etc. Do yourself a favor and check this one out.