Homesickness is nothing. Fifty percent of the people in the world are homesick all the time

Homesickness is nothing. Fifty percent of the people in the world are homesick all the time

John Cheever, a renowned American author known for his insightful and often melancholic portrayals of suburban life, frequently explored themes of alienation, longing, and the search for connection in his works. In the context of the quote "Homesickness is nothing. Fifty percent of the people in the world are homesick all the time," Cheever's characters often grapple with feelings of displacement, nostalgia, and a yearning for a sense of belonging.

Cheever's stories often depict characters who are physically present in their homes and communities, yet feel emotionally adrift and disconnected from those around them. In his acclaimed short story "The Swimmer," the protagonist Ned Merrill embarks on a surreal journey through his affluent suburban neighborhood by swimming through the pools of his neighbors' homes. As he progresses through the pools, he becomes increasingly disoriented and detached from reality, ultimately realizing that his idyllic vision of his life and relationships is a facade. The story serves as a poignant exploration of the emptiness and disillusionment that can accompany the pursuit of an idealized version of home and belonging.