JD Salinger - The Catcher in the Rye

Catching your eye

By James Skinner

Well, what can you say about this book? Its influence is enormous, to the point where it is touched upon by everything from obscure Green Day songs to The Sopranos, and spoken of in the same breath as every novel written from the viewpoint of a frazzled young adolescent, ever.

It is also clouded in controversy. Banned in America upon its release (the word ‘fuck’ is featured four times), never spoken of by its reclusive author, it was also found on Mark David Chapman’s person following the assassination of John Lennon and obsessed over by Ronald Reagan’s would-be murderer.

But focusing on these things detracts from why it looms so large in popular culture.

The story of 16-year-old Holden Caulfield, it follows a turbulent three days in his life after he is expelled from prep-school and wanders New York, exasperated by the painful and, well, phony nature of the adult world of which he stands on the cusp.

Disillusioned, sarcastic, but ultimately compassionate: Salinger’s characterization of Caulfield is iconic, skilful and without a doubt the reason this novel has been so fervently embraced by the world. In the 60 years since its publication, nothing has surpassed it. No kidding.