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jacob_longini's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't know that such a problematic book has ever had as strong a hold on me, and I say that as someone who loves Hemingway. Despite being replete with unforgivable moments of patriarchal commentary, abuse, and all manners of lowliness, Roth's novel was like a car crash - I couldn't look away. I felt deep resonances with the main character while being repulsed by his thinkings and doings - while his actions are reprehensible, his pain is all too relatable. The manner in which the story jumps around also appealed to me. It didn't occur chronologically, but in out-of-order reflections on plot events. (There were also a few sections on Nathan Zuckerman, whose series I feel compelled to read next). Repulsed, but enraptured - Jacob.
P.S. While the Jewish dimensions of Roth's fiction (as I understand them) are only glanced upon in this novel, the little presence they had excites me to see how Judaism is treated more fully in later works.
P.S. While the Jewish dimensions of Roth's fiction (as I understand them) are only glanced upon in this novel, the little presence they had excites me to see how Judaism is treated more fully in later works.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide attempt, Sexual violence, Domestic abuse, Sexual content, and Racial slurs
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