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A review by amber_lea84
Goodbye, Columbus by Philip Roth
2.0
I was really disappointed by this book.
Philip Roth is one of those authors where he's so highly regarded by so many people that to say I don't get it feels like I'm announcing to the world that I'm an idiot, but I don't get it.
I felt depressed by how thoroughly mediocre every character is. It's like a relentless onslaught of mediocrity. I don't know how else to describe it.
The best thing I can say is occasionally his descriptions made me stop and go, "Wow, that is excellent writing."
I really need help to understand what other people are seeing here. Most reviews are just like, "Philip Roth: such genius." Do I need historical context? Cultural context? I live in New Jersey so it's not a Jersey thing. I understand what satire is, but am I missing what exactly is being made fun of here?
Throw me a line.
Philip Roth is one of those authors where he's so highly regarded by so many people that to say I don't get it feels like I'm announcing to the world that I'm an idiot, but I don't get it.
I felt depressed by how thoroughly mediocre every character is. It's like a relentless onslaught of mediocrity. I don't know how else to describe it.
The best thing I can say is occasionally his descriptions made me stop and go, "Wow, that is excellent writing."
I really need help to understand what other people are seeing here. Most reviews are just like, "Philip Roth: such genius." Do I need historical context? Cultural context? I live in New Jersey so it's not a Jersey thing. I understand what satire is, but am I missing what exactly is being made fun of here?
Throw me a line.