Rating: 
Summary: Interesting Book
Review: Updike's semi-science fiction novel is set in the United States in the year 2020. The United States has been ruined by a war against China. Bands of independent ruffians regulate territories and demand payment for protection. The primary focus of the story, however, is about Ben Trumball, a sixty-six year old retired investment broker who lives in a rural part of Massachusetts.Through the course of a year, Trumball keeps a diary with his reflections on time and his life. Ben isn't the most likeable character. He has cheated on his first wife and cheats on his current wife. He is motivated by meaningless sex. Despite this, Ben questions the purpose of life and the meaning of time. He regrets that he hasn't made much of a difference. Throughout the book he is gaining consciousness that his life will be ending soon as well as the world's. This wasn't the world's most exciting book. There was little tension. Luckily, Updike's excellent writing and character portrayal of Ben, carry the book forward. Also, the descriptions and situations of the new world are morbid and provide a possibility as to what may happen in the future.
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