Book Club: Henderson the Rain King, Saul Bellow (1959)

Welcome to the 21st-best novel on Modern Library's Top 100 list: Henderson the Rain King by Saul Bellow!

Equal parts absurd and profound, Henderson the Rain King follows a wealthy, restless American who travels to Africa in search of meaning and ends up on a surreal, soul-searching adventure. With his unforgettable cry of “I want, I want, I want!”, Henderson becomes a kind of tragicomic prophet for the modern age.

Published in 1959, this novel blends existential philosophy, cultural critique, and wild, satirical energy. It’s a trip in every sense of the word. (Cue my usual excitement about satire. My fave!)

What to Expect:

• A deep dive into Henderson’s spiritual crisis and why his longing still resonates today
• A look at how Bellow’s style mixes humor with weighty questions about identity, purpose, and Western arrogance
• Conversation around the book’s cultural legacy and its more controversial aspects (especially the portrayal of Africa)

Join Me!
Bring your curiosity, insights, and your own “I want”s. This book is weird, bold, and ripe for discussion.

Programming Reminder: I’m taking your suggestions for the next title in our lovingly named F the Patriarchy list, born out of the realization that the Modern Library Top 100 includes very few women, and zero Black women. If there’s a novel by a traditionally marginalized voice that moved you, send it my way. I want to make space for the stories this list overlooked. Because if we want to grow as humans, the best way is to walk in as many shoes as possible and listen while we do. ❤️