About the book
In this, the final volume in John Updike’s mock-heroic trilogy about the Jewish American writer Henry Bech, our hero is older but scarcely wiser. Now in his seventies, he remains competitive, lecherous, and self-absorbed, lost in a brave new literary world where his books are hyped by Swiss-owned conglomerates, showcased in chain stores attached to espresso bars, and returned to warehouses three weeks after publication. In five chapters more startling and surreal than any that have come before, Bech presides over the American literary scene, enacts bloody revenge on his critics, and wins the world’s most coveted writing prize. It’s not easy being Henry Bech in the post-Gutenbergian world, but somebody has to do it, and he brings to the task his signature mixture of grit, spit, and ennui.
Editions of Bech at Bay
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780375403682
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780375704178
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780517402474
- Paperback
- ISBN 9780449004043
- EBook
- ISBN 9780307482068
Read an Excerpt
In this, the final volume in John Updike’s mock-heroic trilogy about the Jewish American writer Henry Bech, our hero is older but scarcely wiser. Now in his seventies, he remains competitive, lecherous, and self-absorbed, lost in a brave new literary world where his books are hyped by Swiss-owned conglomerates, showcased in chain stores attached to espresso bars, and returned to warehouses three weeks after publication. In five chapters more startling and surreal than any that have come before, Bech presides over the American literary scene, enacts bloody revenge on his critics, and wins the world’s most coveted writing prize. It’s not easy being Henry Bech in the post-Gutenbergian world, but somebody has to do it, and he brings to the task his signature mixture of grit, spit, and ennui.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bech at Bay about?
In this, the final volume in John Updike’s mock-heroic trilogy about the Jewish American writer Henry Bech, our hero is older but scarcely wiser. Now in his seventies, he remains competitive, lecherous, and self-absorbed, lost in a brave new literary world where his books are hyped by Swiss-owned conglomerates, showcased in chain stores attached to espresso bars, and returned to warehouses three weeks after publication. In five chapters more startling and surreal than any that have come before, Bech presides over the American literary scene, enacts bloody revenge on his critics, and wins the world’s most coveted writing prize. It’s not easy being Henry Bech in the post-Gutenbergian world, but somebody has to do it, and he brings to the task his signature mixture of grit, spit, and ennui.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Bech at Bay?
Fiction > Fiction: literary and general non-genre
Where can I read a sample of Bech at Bay?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780375403682
Is Bech at Bay part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series Bech
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Bech at Bay?
John Updike
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Bech at Bay is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780375403682) and paperback(ISBN 9780375704178) and paperback(ISBN 9780517402474) and paperback(ISBN 9780449004043) and ebook(ISBN 9780307482068)
Where can I buy Bech at Bay online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Bech at Bay from below
Where can I buy Bech at Bay?