Rabbit, Run (1960) by John Updike follows Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, a 26-year-old former basketball star, as he grapples with dissatisfaction in his mundane life. Married to Janice and expecting another child, Rabbit feels trapped in his suburban existence. In an impulsive bid for freedom, he drives south but soon returns, reconnecting with his past through his former coach and dating Ruth, a part-time prostitute. As he navigates a tumultuous affair, his marriage deteriorates, culminating in a tragic event that forces him to confront his choices. The novel explores themes of longing, immaturity, and the complexity of relationships, ultimately suggesting that true contentment comes from nurturing meaningful connections rather than fleeting escapism.
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