On the Shelf:
> > Ravelstein by Saul Bellow

In his new book, Ravelstein (Viking), Saul Bellow, X'39, a Nobel laureate and former professor in the Committee on Social Thought, weaves a tale based on the life of his late colleague and friend, Allan Bloom, PhB'49, AM'53, PhD'55. Before his death in 1992, Bloom--a Committee on Social Thought professor, conservative thinker, and author of the 1987 best-seller The Closing of the American Mind (Simon & Schuster)--had asked Bellow to write a memoir of his life.

Bellow wrestled with the idea of a completely open biography of his friend. In the end he stayed true to both Bloom's request and his own reticence by telling Bloom's story in the form of a novel. Lesser-known parts of Bloom's life--his homosexuality and his death from AIDS--play major roles in Ravelstein, to be published April 24. Bellow transforms Bloom into prominent Midwestern philosophy professor Abe Ravelstein, who shares his U of C counterpart's penchant for philosophy, luxury, and travel. Ravelstein's friend Chick, the story's narrator, is much like Bellow: some 20 years his friend's senior, separated and then divorced from his wife, and moving to Boston after Ravelstein's death.

The novel opens in Paris. After writing a surprise best-seller on political philosophy, a book suggested by Chick (as Bellow suggested Bloom publish his thoughts on American education), Ravelstein becomes a millionaire and sets out on a celebratory trip to Paris with Chick. Over late-night drinks at cafés, the two share thoughts on mortality, philosophy, history, love, and friendship before returning to the Midwest. Hospitalized for HIV-related complications, Ravelstein convinces Chick to write a memoir of his life before he succumbs to AIDS. --B.B.