The Second Coming

Will Barrett is a wealthy widower living in North Carolina who experiences blackouts and becomes obsessed with proving or disproving the existence of God. His peculiar quest leads him to devise an experiment in a remote cave, where he plans to wait for a divine sign. Allison Huger, a young woman who has escaped from a mental institution, spends her time cultivating mushrooms in an abandoned greenhouse. Despite her formal diagnosis, she possesses an unusual clarity about life and a talent for direct communication that sets her apart. Their paths intersect in unexpected ways as both characters navigate their individual searches for truth and meaning. The story follows their developing connection while exploring their distinct approaches to life's fundamental questions. The Second Coming examines faith, doubt, and human connection in modern society. Percy's novel considers how individuals might find authentic ways of living in a world that often feels empty of meaning.

Readers often note the dark humor and exploration of mental illness through the relationship between Will Barrett and Allison. Many appreciate Percy's philosophical themes while keeping the story accessible and engaging. Readers highlight the rich character development and Percy's ability to balance serious topics with comedic moments. Readers liked: - Contemplation of faith, doubt and meaning - Complex characters, especially Allison - Blend of humor with weighty themes Common criticisms: - Slow pacing in the first third - Some find Barrett's character difficult to connect with - Philosophical discussions can feel heavy-handed Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (2,800+ ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (120+ ratings) From reviews: "The cave sequence drags but the payoff is worth it" - Goodreads reviewer "Percy tackles existential questions without becoming preachy" - Amazon reviewer "Allison's character arc is the heart of the story" - LibraryThing reviewer

Wise Blood by Flannery O'Connor A man returns from war to pursue religious truth through violent rebellion and dark comedy in the American South.

The Moviegoer by Walker Percy A New Orleans stockbroker searches for meaning through existential wandering and observation of life in modern society.

White Noise by Don DeLillo A college professor confronts mortality and consumer culture while navigating family life in suburban America.

The End of the Affair by Graham Greene A writer's obsessive love affair intersects with questions of faith and divine intervention in post-war London.

Rabbit, Run by John Updike A former high school basketball star flees his domestic life in pursuit of spiritual and personal freedom in mid-century America.

🔖 Walker Percy wrote The Second Coming (1980) as a sequel to his earlier novel The Last Gentleman, following the same protagonist Will Barrett sixteen years later. 🔖 The author drew from his own experiences with depression and contemplation of suicide to create Will Barrett's character, particularly during the cave sequence. 🔖 Percy, who was both a medical doctor and a Catholic convert, weaves complex theological themes throughout the novel while maintaining his background in science and psychiatry. 🔖 The novel's female protagonist, Allison, was inspired by Percy's observations of autism and language disorders, reflecting his lifelong interest in semiotics and human communication. 🔖 The book won the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1980, despite initial mixed reviews from critics who found its existential themes challenging.