Ever since this novel was published in 1951, it has been shrouded in
controversy. Author J.D. Salinger was born in New York City in 1919, and
lived in a stylish neighborhood as the son of a wealthy cheese importer.
Salinger's body of work includes many short stories and compellations, but
"The Catcher in the Rye" remains his only full-length novel. Critically,
the book has also remained his finest and most controversial work.
Salinger attempted to incorporate the youth's values and slang of the day
into the work, which made it much too sensual for some readers. Many
communities banned the book when it was released, and it continues to be
banned in some areas today because of its strong language and sexual
Salinger himself has presented as controversial a figure as his work.
After the critical praise (and criticism) of "The Catcher in the Rye,"
Salinger wrote regular short stories for several publications, including
the venerable New Yorker, but never reached the pinnacle of "Catcher."
While the book has remained popular throughout its nearly continual
publication, Salinger's reputation is not nearly so unsullied. During the
1960s, his notoriety and popularity began to fade, and Salinger began to
turn into at least a part of his protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Salinger
became a recluse, and virtually disappeared from public life since his last
story was published in 1965 (which, incidentally, was reviled by critics).
Salinger's utter retirement from writing and society to the back roads of
Connecticut has created a cult figure mentality around him, and he
continues his reclusive lifestyle today. Many believe "The Catcher in the
Rye" was part autobiographical novel, and one must wonder just how much of
Holden Caulfield resides in Salinger.
"The Catcher in the Rye" follows young Holden Caulfield through a
solitary weekend in New York. Thrown out of his military sc...