“Terrorist,” by John Updike

FM's rating:

1.      Premise 10

2.      Prose 9

3.      Plot 9

4.      Characters 9

5.      Overall 9

Comments (optional – but try to keep it under 3000 words!)

Updike is mostly known for his Rabbit books, “Rabbit Run” and its sequels, but this book is better than “Rabbit, Run.”  It probably should be, having been written much later in his career.  In the earlier book, his prose was rather poetic and rather quirky, seemingly an attempt to differentiate it from that of other writers.  Here, the writing is less self-conscious, more mature, and communicates more clearly.  He is relying on his other strengths, which are considerable.  Ahmad, the protagonist is superbly portrayed, his pure devotion to Islam sensitively depicted and his perspective on other religions and American culture penetrating.  The author is, perhaps, subtly attempting to open our minds toward the Muslim perspective, and for me, it works.  The overall sense, as in his other works, is decidedly anti-religion, but his presentation of Islam attempts to be fair.  Highly recommended. 

Here’s the March line-up!

“’I’ is for Innocence,” by Sue Grafton [3-5]

“A Thief of Time,” by Tony Hillerman [3-12]

“The Ritual Bath,” by Faye Kellerman [3-19]

“Deception,” by Jonathan Kellerman [3-26]

(As always, if there are any books you’d like to recommend for the next month, please do so.  Also, if you have already read one on our previous lists, you are invited to send your ratings and or comments for that book!)