'Catcher in the Rye' by J.D.Salinger

Book Review

When 'Catcher in the Rye' was first published in 1951, it garnered considerable controversy for its open (some said obscene) and jarring nature. Salinger's observation of the human condition is a profound and moving one. Its contentiousness says more about the time in which it was first published, than the content of the book itself. 

For Salinger's novel is as thoughtful as it is sincere. Centered around the fragile adolescent character of Holden Caulfield, the author succeeds in drawing the reader into an acute perception of an adult world oftentimes too comfortable with phoniness, too intolerant of differences and the very real need of the individual for the freedom of self expression, in its many and myriad forms. 

The book is effectively a monologue, as Caulfield, having been expelled from school for the third time, decides to spend several days wandering New York, rather than risk the inevitable wrath of his parents. It is within this backdrop that we see Caulfield battling with the growing symptoms of depression, and we watch as he attempts to reconcile himself to a world as fragile and turbulent as his own thoughts and feelings.  

Salinger's work retains its controversial reputation to this day. Part of the reason being its seemingly depressing nature. Certainly its subject matter and short, broken sentences make for some pretty heavy moments. But this is not in itself a bad thing. After all, as one writer put it, the best novels are those that wound us deeply, which cause us to think afresh about ourselves and the lives we lead. Catcher in the Rye is such a book.