In the Beauty of the Lilies

Nov 27, 2025 4:07 AM

Author:John Updike

Taking its title from the "Battle Hymn of the Republic", IN THE BEAUTY OF THE LILIES traces one family's profound journey through four generations--and across the spiritual landscape of twentieth-century America. It is one of John Updike's fullest and finest work of fiction.

Reviews

A deliciously sweet story of new horizons and burgeoning love, this is Kinsella escapism at its finest.

—— Good Housekeeping

Brink's lyrical but spare writing evokes the harshness of the veld and the dream world created by the Bushmen. A book that lingers in the mind long after you have reached the last page

—— Daily Mail

A work of fidelity and imaginative freedom

—— Times Literary Supplement

Brave, rewarding and dignified

—— Time Out

Irresistible

—— Independent

Naguib Mahfouz's wonderfully readable family saga provides a riveting and accurate portrait of Egyptian society

—— Bookseller

His masterpiece

—— The Sunday Times

'Acidic and unforgiving...This hilariously accurate skewering of the mores - and the morons - of Hollywood left a deliciously vile taste in my mouth, and I loved it!

—— The New York Observer

'Irrestistably engaging'

—— Kirkus

'Witty and intelligent...just the thing for a lazy summer day'

—— Newsday

Genuine wit and charm

—— Image

Witty novel about life and love after divorce, Hollywood-style.

—— Daily Express

A bitchy and entertaining look at life in La-La Land

—— The Sun

A perfect poolside read

—— New Woman

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