Top 30 Modern Classics - XXVIII

Appointment in Samarra

John O'Hara

Appointment in Samarra, written by John O'Hara, is the first novel by the author published in 1934.

Julian English is a car dealer, who lives comfortably and moves in the elite circle of the society in Gibbsville. 

The novel spans over three days of Julian's life at the end of which he commits suicide.

During those three days, Julian gets drunk several times and propositions to two women. 

On successive days, he commits three unacceptable acts in social situations. First, he throws a drink in the face of Harry Reilly, an important investor in his business. This is  not only going to affect investments but also has the potential of his catholic customers deserting him as Harry is a well connected Catholic.

The second event occurs at a roadhouse, where Julian, after getting drunk, indulges in a sexual act with a gangster's girlfriend in his car. The gangster's muscleman, sent to keep an eye on the gangster's girlfriend and Julian's wife, see the couple going out. goes with his wife and some friends. Julian feels the excitement building up inside him in expectation of the punishment that may be meted out to him due to his impulsive act. 

The third event occurs the next day at the elite Gibbsville Club. Julian engages in an argument and brawl with a war veteran, Froggy Oden, which ends in Julian sugging Froggy and one other bystander. with a one-armed war veteran named Froggy Ogden. 

He indulges in two suicidal daydreams. In one he daydreams about Caroline, his wife, being involved sexually with Harry. H placing a gun in his mouth for killing himself but does not follow through.

His second suicidal daydream follows after his attempt to seduce a local reporter is rejected. He believes that he has lost his credibility and standing in the society. And no woman - worth having - would like to be associated with him.

Apparently, not able to reconcile himself with his fallen social status he commits suicide by carbon monoxide poisoning,  running his car in a closed garage.

O'Hara in his story was probably hitting at a generation who received their prosperity too easily and were not ready to face the challenges.

Namaste

Prabir