Philip Roth, author of prep-lit novel “Goodbye Columbus,” has died at the age of 85. You can find an NPR tribute here. — CC
16 Comments on "Philip Roth, 1933-2018"
Comments are closed.
Philip Roth, author of prep-lit novel “Goodbye Columbus,” has died at the age of 85. You can find an NPR tribute here. — CC
Comments are closed.
Among great last lines in literature, Dr. Spielvogel to Portnoy: “So (said the doctor). Now vee may perhaps to begin. Yes?”
Portnoy’s Complaint; forever burned into my psyche that hilariously dreadful imagery and point of contemplation named in the title. Ha!
A film was made of “Goodbye Columbus” (1969). It came between “The Graduate” (1967) and “Love Story” (1970). I think it was the best of the three.
Wow, it’s shaping up to be a tough week for American letters. I’ve never read Roth myself. Any admirers out there care to give me a must-read suggestion?
@Eric: The New York Times has an excellent twelve minute video of Roth’s oeuvre. He will probably be best remembered for his fourth novel, “Portnoy’s Complaint.”
An iniquitous writer best forgotten along with other 1960’s and 70’s writers of the same ilk. Nothing he wrote was of any consequence.
At least you waited until he was dead to say that.
Recommended:
Goodbye Columbus
Portnoy’s Complaint.
For me the sociology of these works is
as important as the stories themselves. In the
same way that Seinfeld is almost as much about being
single in New York in the 90s as the actual interactions
of the characters. When I read a novel set in the South,
or Europe a hundred years ago I focus on the mise
en scene as the story. But then, I was trained as a social scientist
Robert
How many people have paid a penny for anything your insignificant hand has written?
Fine tribute and Ivy photo:
https://media.npr.org/assets/img/2018/05/23/ap_93030111519_wide-cb2e645fb84992599f4d3bf1307c815f5b45f838-s1600-c85.jpg
That was a link to the photo.
Here’s the link to the tribute:
https://www.npr.org/2018/05/23/613725245/rest-in-peace-philip-roth-and-thank-you
“It’s a bad contract, and we all have to sign it”. Roth on mortality. Saul Bellow and now Philip Roth. Towering giants of American literature. My favourite Roth? “The Counterlife”. It had it all. Boy, I’m going to miss Nathan Zuckerman.
Thoroughly enjoyed Portnoy’s Complaint at 16 or so. Must try and find a copy to see how I like it half a century on.
The movie Goodbye Columbus also had charm. Never read the book.
Natl Public TV is starting a contest this Sunday night to vote on 100 English language novels for the most “Beloved.” No Philip Roth novel included in the 100 candidates.
Correction: “America’s Best Loved Novel.”
Portnoy’s Complaint: American Jewish teenage coming of age angst in New York. Although not Jewish, I identified with everything else.