In the Beauty of the Lilies
by John Updike
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Average customer review:
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John Updike's 17th novel is the absorbing saga of four generations of Wilmots, whose lives and occupations span huge portions of 20th-century America, running the gamut from preacher to encyclopedia salesman to movie star. The Wilmots' religious impulses take various forms: Clarence Wilmot is a traditional Presbyterian minister whose faith deserts him; his son, Teddy, is an atheist; his daughter, Essie, is a New Ager; and Essie's son is a Branch Davidian-style fanatic. Updike's lyrical exploration of the lives of middle-class Americans--achieved here with his usual grace and wit--is also a searching look at the place of religion in American life.
Editions of In the Beauty of the Lilies
 |
ISBN |
Binding/Format Hardcover |
Publisher Random House Inc |
Date 1996 |
Price $1.00 |
 Used, Very Good |
 |
ISBN |
Binding/Format Paperback |
Publisher Fawcett Books |
Date 1997 |
Price $1.00 |
Acceptable |
 |
ISBN |
Binding/Format Hardcover |
Publisher Thorndike Pr |
Date 1996 |
Price $1.00 |
Good |
Publisher Notes
Taking its title from the "Battle Hymn of the Republic", this book traces one family's profound journey through four generations--and across the spiritual landscape of 20th century America. It is perhaps John Updike's fullest and finest work of fiction.
Media Reviews
"'If God were eager to please, who would worship him?' This is said in either bitterness or acceptance. Both conditions are present in the novel, which is, finally a success."
First Line
In those hot last days of the spring of 1910, on the spacious, elevated grounds of Belle Vista Castle in Paterson, New Jersey, a motion picture was being made.
Customer Reviews
on Mar 2 2009, mikelomar said:
"Great book. Classic Updike: lush prose, piercing observations of both the physical world and the human psyche, great sex, and terribly interesting examinations of various religious impulses. A booklover's book!"
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