The Adventures of Augie March

by Saul Bellow
The Adventures of Augie March cover
Good Books rating 3.5
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10462
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9780141913728
  • Publisher: Penguin UK
  • Published: 2012-07-27
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

The Adventures of Augie March is a sprawling, picaresque novel that captures the spirit of a young man's journey through life. Augie March, a poor and orphaned boy from Chicago, drifts through various occupations and encounters a colorful cast of characters, each trying to shape his destiny. His adventures take him from being a butler to a thief, a dog-washer to a sailor, and finally to a salesman. It is not until he meets the enigmatic Thea, a huntress with a trained eagle, that Augie begins to assert his own identity and break free from the influences of others. This novel is celebrated for its richly observed human variety show and its exploration of the modern everyman's quest for reality and identity. Augie March is a character who resonates with readers as he navigates the complexities of life during the Great Depression. The book includes an introduction by Christopher Hitchens in Penguin Modern Classics, highlighting its enduring literary significance.

Reviews
John Pistelli · John Pistelli · 2018-02-10
Brilliant 4.50

This novel is a brilliant exploration of life and identity. The protagonist's journey is both compelling and thought-provoking.

John Pistelli's review highlights the brilliance of 'The Adventures of Augie March' as a profound exploration of life and identity. They appreciate the novel's intricate character development and its ability to capture the essence of the human experience. The reviewer finds Augie March's journey both compelling and thought-provoking, making it a standout work in Saul Bellow's oeuvre. Pistelli's analysis delves into the thematic richness of the novel, emphasizing its importance in contemporary literature.

Quick quotes

    This novel is a brilliant exploration of life and identity.

    The protagonist's journey is both compelling and thought-provoking.

    Saul Bellow's writing is at its best in this picaresque tale.

The Guardian · Robert McCrum · 2015-02-09
Great 4.00

The novel is a significant contribution to the search for the great American novel. Its picaresque nature adds to its charm and depth.

Robert McCrum's review in The Guardian positions 'The Adventures of Augie March' as a significant contribution to the search for the great American novel. They praise its picaresque nature, which adds charm and depth to the narrative. McCrum highlights the novel's ability to capture the essence of American life and its enduring relevance. The reviewer appreciates Bellow's skill in crafting a story that is both adventurous and deeply reflective.

Quick quotes

    In the long-running hunt to identify the great American novel, Saul Bellow's picaresque third book frequently hits the mark.

    The novel's picaresque nature adds to its charm and depth.

    Bellow's skill in crafting a story that is both adventurous and deeply reflective.

Two Hecto Books · 2011-05-10
Disappointing 2.00

The novel falls short of expectations with its self-indulgent protagonist. The story lacks a clear purpose and direction.

The review from Two Hecto Books criticizes 'The Adventures of Augie March' for its self-indulgent protagonist, Augie March. They find the story lacking in clear purpose and direction, making it a less engaging read. The reviewer feels that the novel fails to live up to the high expectations set by Saul Bellow's other works. Despite its picaresque elements, the story comes across as aimless and somewhat disappointing.

Quick quotes

    The Adventures of Augie March is yet another example of the "Dude Feeling Sorry for Himself" genre.

    The book doesn't have a clear purpose, most of Augie's philosophy is dull and self-indulgent.

    The story lacks a clear purpose and direction.

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