John Updike

Separating (Full text not available online.)

In my second most disappointing post of all time, there isn't much to say about this trainwreck. The writing is fine (as in "His skull cupped a secret.") but the material is appalling.

Even more appalling is the horrific reference to Houdini. Am I really so old as to be reading a text read by those so young as to not know immediately who Houdini is? Those so young as to not remember the criminally gorgeous Tony Curtis in the role? It's 2005 and Houdini needs a footnote. Say it isn't so. Becoming dust; I'm passing into grey. What a strange, unlikely feeling.

As for the story, I could relate to the contemporary theme. Divorce is as intriguing as a myocardial infarction: it's painful, can ruin everything, and often happens when you least expect it. It somehow commands a fraction of the respect of death.

Separating has caused me to think of divorce as a subject, but what I've learned of Updike I can't say. Other than the fact that he is a man with a man's experience and thought, as common as rain and as good and bad.

Flip through Updike's photo album.
Being that Updike is yet wick, there is no grave upon him.