Henderson the Rain King is a novel by Saul Bellow, published in 1959. It tells the story of Eugene Henderson, a wealthy, middle-aged American businessman who is in a mid-life crisis. He decides to leave his comfortable life and go on a journey of self-discovery to Africa.
Henderson arrives in Africa and is immediately taken in by the natives of the fictional African kingdom of Waknuk. He is given the title of Rain King and is expected to bring rain to the kingdom. Henderson is initially overwhelmed by the culture shock of his new environment, but he gradually adapts and begins to learn the language and customs of the Waknuk people.
Henderson soon finds himself in the middle of a conflict between the Waknuk and their neighboring kingdom, the Wariri. He is determined to help the Waknuk people and uses his wealth and influence to broker a peace between the two sides. In the process, he learns more about himself and his place in the world.
Henderson also meets a variety of characters on his journey, including a wise old man named Leander, a beautiful princess named Omi, and a mysterious stranger named Rima. Through his interactions with these characters, Henderson learns more about himself and his place in the world.
The novel culminates in a climactic battle between the Waknuk and the Wariri. Henderson is able to use his newfound wisdom to help the Waknuk people win the battle and bring peace to the region. In the end, Henderson returns to America a changed man, having gained a greater understanding of himself and the world around him.
Henderson the Rain King is a classic novel that explores themes of identity, self-discovery, and the power of friendship. It is a story of transformation and growth, as Henderson learns to accept himself and his place in the world. Through his journey, he discovers that life is not always easy, but it is worth living.