2 - Making a Name on the National Scene (1968–1975)

Summary

In retrospect, the period between 1968 and 1975 might be described as the “breakthrough years” during which Updike became a major novelist, introduced or returned to important recurring characters and themes into his fiction, and continued his exploration of the American scene. Of course, before 1968 Updike was well-known to a select group of readers and critics, many of whom had high regard for his work. While his audience among the general readership was considerable, it did not rival that of contemporary popular giants—writers like Leon Uris, Mary Renault, James Clavell, Irving Wallace, Mary Stewart, and Arthur Hailey. The publication of Couples, however, brought Updike to national prominence (or notoriety, perhaps). The novel made the New York Times bestseller list and remained there for nine months, rising to number one for a week—but held just below the top spot for two months by Arthur Hailey's Airport. Additionally, the publication of “View from the Catacombs” (1968), a profile of Updike in Time, then one of the most-read magazines in America with a circulation of five million, made him a national celebrity. The authors perceptively suggest that in Couples Updike may have found “the explosive expression of his theme that his work has always lacked.” The novel may be “flawed by overwriting and undercharacterization,” but no longer can Updike be considered irrelevant (66).