Review: The Natural By Bernard Malamud - A Captivating Tale Of Love, Loss And Redemption

The Natural by Bernard Malamud is an iconic classic that tells the story of Roy Hobbs, a talented but troubled baseball player. Set in the early 20th century, this novel follows Roy’s struggles and successes as he navigates life and love amidst the backdrop of America’s pastime. The Natural is a timeless tale about ambition, morality and redemption that speaks to readers of all ages. Despite its age, it remains one of the most powerful novels ever written about sports and the human condition. With its lyrical prose, compelling characters and vivid imagery, The Natural is a must-read for any fan of classic American literature. Read on to find out what makes this book so special and why you should consider adding it to your bookshelf.

Table of Contents

The Natural by Bernard Malamud Review

The Natural, a classic novel by Bernard Malamud, is an essential read for any fan of literature. Written in 1952, it tells the story of Roy Hobbs, an aging baseball player trying to make a comeback against all odds. Through his rise and fall and eventual redemption, the book explores themes of fate, mortality, and second chances. Along with its unique writing style and memorable characters, The Natural has become one of the most beloved books of all time.

Key Features
1. An inspiring story about fate, mortality and second chances.
2. Unique writing style and memorable characters.
3. A timeless classic by renowned author Bernard Malamud.
4. Captivating narrative that draws readers in from start to finish.

The Natural is a must-read for anyone looking to experience the power of great literature. With its captivating narrative and inspiring themes, this book will draw you in from start to finish as you watch Roy Hobbs try to overcome the odds in pursuit of his dreams. Whether you’re a fan of sports or a connoisseur of classic literature, The Natural is sure to remain an unforgettable part of your reading experience.

Product Details

Product	The Natural
Author	Bernard Malamud
Format	Paperback
Publisher	Farrar, Straus and Giroux; 1st edition (April 25, 1984)
Language	English
ISBN-10	0374502005
ISBN-13	978-0374502006
Product Dimensions	7.5 x 5.1 x 0.6 inches

The Natural by Bernard Malamud Pros and Cons

1. Pros:
The Natural by Bernard Malamud is an iconic novel of the 20th century, and its reputation has only grown since its initial publication in 1952. It offers a captivating story of a gifted athlete searching for the meaning of success and redemption. The book features a vivid cast of characters, humor and heartbreak, and its themes are timeless.

2. Cons:
Although The Natural is a classic, it can be difficult to read at times due to its dense prose style. Some readers may find themselves bogged down by lengthy descriptions or overwhelmed by the complex themes. Additionally, the story’s outdated attitudes towards race could be off-putting for some modern readers.

3. Bottom Line:
The Natural by Bernard Malamud remains one of literature’s most beloved novels and is an essential work of American fiction. Its powerful themes, gripping narrative, and memorable characters make it well worth reading despite any potential drawbacks.

Who are They for

The Natural by Bernard Malamud is a timeless classic that has become an American sports legend. This beloved novel follows Roy Hobbs, an ambitious young man whose dreams of becoming a Major League Baseball player are dashed when he is shot by a mysterious woman during his tryout with the Chicago Cubs. As he struggles to recover from his wounds, Hobbs is given a second chance at greatness when he joins the New York Knights and takes them to the pennant race.

This engrossing novel captures both the highs and lows of professional baseball, as well as the intensity of competition and challenge. Through the trials and tribulations of Roy Hobbs, readers will come to understand how one man’s determination, desire and drive can create success in any field. Malamud’s vivid prose brings each character to life while exploring themes of fate, strength and courage.

The Natural is not just a story about baseball; it’s a story about a man who refuses to give up despite all odds stacked against him. A classic sports tale that remains relevant today, this novel is sure to captivate readers of all ages. From its memorable characters to its touching conclusion, The Natural is guaranteed to be an unforgettable literary experience.

My Experience for The Natural by Bernard Malamud

The Natural by Bernard Malamud is an absolute masterpiece. It’s my go-to book when I’m feeling down and need a pick me up. Unlike most books, The Natural has a story line unlike any other. It follows Roy Hobbs on his journey to become the greatest baseball player ever, despite all the obstacles he faces.

I never knew reading could be so much fun until I got my hands on this one. The characters are so real and engaging that you can’t help but root for them. The plot twists keep you guessing at every turn, and I find myself constantly asking “what will happen next?”. As if that wasn’t enough, the dialogue is witty and entertaining. It’s truly something special.

The Natural is one of those rare books that transcends its genre and stands out as a classic novel in its own right. It’s engaging, entertaining, and inspiring—a must read for anyone who loves sports or great literature.

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages:
1. The Natural lacks a strong plot structure and relies heavily on allegory.
2. It has a slow pace, which can be off-putting for some readers.
3. It is often seen as overly sentimental and melodramatic.
4. The book contains themes that may be difficult to relate to in modern times.
5. Some readers find its language too dense and difficult to understand.

How to Find Your Inner Hero with The Natural by Bernard Malamud

The Natural, by Bernard Malamud, is a timeless classic that tells the story of Roy Hobbs, a down-and-out athlete who rises to the top of his game. It is an inspirational tale of hope and courage in the face of adversity. But it also provides valuable life lessons on how to find your own inner hero and take control of your destiny.

First and foremost, The Natural reminds us to never give up. Despite all the obstacles that Roy faces throughout the course of his journey, he never lets go of his dream or his passion for baseball. He perseveres despite any setbacks and ultimately succeeds in achieving his goals. This teaches us the importance of staying resilient when the going gets tough and not letting any failure or disappointment define us.

Next, The Natural teaches us about the power of believing in ourselves. Throughout the novel, Roy puts faith in himself and his abilities no matter what anyone else says or thinks. He believes in himself even when no one else does and this allows him to achieve greatness. We can all take away from this lesson that if we don’t believe in ourselves, no one else will either.

Finally, The Natural encourages us to never be afraid to take risks. Roy often puts himself out there and takes chances that others wouldn’t dare attempt. Taking these risks leads him to success but also helps him grow as a person along the way. By learning from our mistakes and embracing change, we can break free from our comfort zones and create new opportunities for ourselves.

The Natural is an inspiring read that will motivate you to reach your full potential. Through its endearing characters and thought-provoking plot, it instills important values such as resilience, self-belief, and risk-taking that will help you discover your own inner hero!

Questions about The Natural by Bernard Malamud

What is The Natural about?

The Natural is a novel by Bernard Malamud that follows Roy Hobbs, an aspiring baseball player. Hobbs has dreams of becoming one of the greats, and his journey to reach those goals is full of challenges, successes, and hard-learned lessons. Along the way, readers gain insight into what it takes to become a professional athlete and the struggles that come with it.

Is The Natural based on a true story?

The Natural was inspired by a real-life event in 1951 when a 36-year-old pitcher named Eddie Waitkus was shot by an obsessed fan. While the novel isn’t based on a true story, it does explore themes such as ambition, morality, and loyalty.

Does The Natural have any sequels?

No, there are no sequels to The Natural. However, it has been adapted for film and musical theater productions.

Are there any editions of The Natural?

Yes! The Natural is available in paperback, ebook, audio book and even a special 50th Anniversary Edition.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.