One of THOSE Books: The Human Comedy

Mentioned in a recent novel, I thought I'd peruse William Saroyan's The Human Comedy as my next, unexpected read. I was so pleasantly surprised!

The book's coming to fruition is almost as wonderful as the storyline itself. The Human Comedy is a 1943 novel which originated as a 240-page film script written for MGM. Author Saroyan was planning to produce and direct the film, but he was dropped from the project either because the script was too long or because a short film he directed as a test was not considered acceptable – or both. He walked off the lot, went home, and swiftly created a novelization, which was published just before the film came out. It was the March 1943 Book-of-the-Month Club selection, and became a best-seller a week after its release. In addition, Saroyan went on to win the Academy Award for Best Story for the film of the same name. I guess he showed them!

In the beginning, really didn't know what to think of this novel whose narrative intertwines moments of joy and cry inducing sorrow, capturing the essence of human experience through a series of vignettes that highlight the interconnectedness of community and family. It refreshingly emphasizes the importance of empathy, as characters from various walks of life impart lessons on love, acceptance, and resilience. The novel’s sentimental style and humor create a rich tapestry that invites readers to reflect on their own humanity and the shared bonds that unite us. Ultimately, The Human Comedy serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of hope, illustrating that even in the face of adversity, the potential for goodness and connection prevails. Upon conclusion, after I was done weeping, I felt had become a better person for having read this timely book. Wow!

I was not only surprised by the content but also by the book itself. It is a first edition published in 1943. How often does one get to read something from the library that is 82 years old? How crazy is that! I loved the back notice as I had written a blog post about The Best-Read Army in the World. 

The back cover reads, "The Men in the Services Need Books! After you have finished reading this book ... why not send it to some man in the services who needs good reading? Send it either to someone you know, to the U.S.O. office nearest you, or address it to: Commanding General, 4th Corps Area Headquarters, Atlanta, Ga., marked For Army Libraries. Book postage rate is only 3¢ per lb. in the U. S. and its possessions."

"I know you will remember this

— that nothing good ever ends.

If it did, there would be no people in the world

—no life at all, anywhere.

And the world is full of people and full of wonderful life.”

― William Saroyan, The Human Comedy