Book Review: Catcher in the Rye

'The Catcher in the Rye' is a novel by 'J D Salinger' which has become more popular with adolescent readers across the world. The story is about 'Holden', who is expelled from a private school as a result of which alienates from the rest of the society.
The book deals with complex issues of identity, connection and alienation as the protagonist wanders from the college to various places to finally visit him home and his sister Phoebe.

The novel was since its publication included in most of the best novels written list and has become reader’s top choice. Given below are some of the observations

Observations

1. Simple language

2. Themes of teenage angst and alienation

3. Plot might bore you at times but the narration makes you stick to the novel

4. Authors ability to write freely

5. Amusing at the same time so frightening depiction of human life

6. Tragic and touching character of the protagonist

7. Couldn’t understand the reason why the book was banned. It is such a nice study of the way people (especially the youth) isolates from the society.

On the whole, I can summarize the following.

Protagonist, himself being a victim, is depressed with the way society evaluates the achievements of an individual. As the novel proceeds, his efforts to isolate from the society are very much visible from the pessimistic but funny narration. His intention to save other children from this tragic experience can be noted in the ‘Catcher in the Rye’ drama. Unable to escape from this tragic experience himself, he finds solace in the small but obvious playful and innocent deeds of his sister with whom he wishes to be with his whole heart.

As a lover of betterment of human condition, I’m bound to love the book for the enormous effect it had up on the society’s attitude towards human condition by having a critical look at the problems facing the youth trying to escape the society. What I liked most is the story is strongly emotional without being sentimental.