Set in the 1960’s, this story is about life, love and
losses. It is about trying to live the
American Dream – to be comfortable and to raise a family and be respectable
citizens.
Harry “Rabbit” Angstrom is a runner. He ran from a marriage, then ran back to it,
then ran again.
What I found interesting about the 1st book is
that some subjects mentioned were really considered taboo in that era, but the
author pulls no punches. (After writing
this, I read the author’s commentary at the end of book 2 and he mentions that
the original printing had a lot edited out.
In later years, he was allowed to print the book the way he originally
wrote it).
Rabbit appears immature – he tells his girlfriend if she
doesn’t answer a question, he will leave and not come back and he does just
that. On the other hand, he was on his
way to the hospital to see his wife and newborn baby. Perhaps he used that as an excuse, hoping his
girlfriend wouldn’t say anything.
The second book is Rabbit Redux. Here we find Rabbit, 10 years later, back
with his wife who he now suspects is having an affair. What’s good for the goose is good for the
gander.
Book three, Rabbit is Rich, has Rabbit running his deceased
father-in-law auto dealership.
Rabbit at Rest is the final book and has the same drama as
the first three books. Rabbit and Janice bought a condo in Florida and they
spend the summer months there. Nelson
and Pru visit with their two children.
Nelson is still edgy and jumpy with his father – same as in books two
and three. He has his own demons that he is dealing with.
I should not be surprised that the series ends the same way
it began – with Rabbit on a basketball court.
