Bellow influence?

[smerdyakov]

Have any of you read Saul Bellow's 'Henderson the Rain King'? I found it pretty similar in form (content is obviously pretty off) to Duma Key. Both are first person accounts of a despairing millionare that goes off to an exotic location to find relieve psychological burdens. In all likelihood, the similarities are coincidental, but I was wandering if anyone else saw a resemblance. I have to imagine mr. King reads bellow -- but am not implying that king ripped off bellow -- so perhaps there was some underlying influence there?

Thanks

[wally wonder]

hi. henderson the rain king is a great story! henderson, off to africa, looking for purpose, coming into the wairiri (sp?) camp and they're all crying. never entered my mind, the idea there could be an underlying influence. bellow never went to africa, never visited the place, all imagination. wonder if he did any reference work, studying up on the matter, the tribes and stuff? i can't remember...did henderson have a "witch doctor" to guide him? been awhile since i read it.

[smerdyakov]

Hi,

It is a spectacular story. I'm sure he did at least some rudimentary research of the african tribes, but don't know the specifics. When I said 'first person account', I meant both books are written in first person (which can be rare). Henderson's guide was just a trail guide, I think. But it's also been a while since i've read the book.

[wally wonder]

seems like henderson might have had a guide, someone who suggested he go...someplace...or did he settle on africa on a whim? anyway, it would be interesting to read bellow's story again. thank you for the insight. i really enjoyed the story, not like some of his other stuff, pedantic and stuffy, thought herzog and humboldt's gift were okay.

[smerdyakov]

I think he was going with some friends who were taking a safari in africa and then ditched them to find that first remote village. I absolutely agree -- henderson the rain king is way more accessible than a lot of bellow's other books. I think I might read it again myself