Goodbye, Columbus
Goodbye, Columbus, April 2007, 9/10.
Written by Philip Roth. Published by Vintage.
Great book! I loved the Jewish themes, and transporting back to try and imagine the impact of events in the 50′s was cool, despite obviously being unintended. Title story was particularly good. Funny how one can read almost anything into Roth’s themes, even if evidently he meant the opposite.
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: 9/10, American, Fiction, First Book, National Book Award, Philip Roth, Short Stories
The Armies Of The Night
The Armies Of The Night, April 2007, 8.5/10.
Written by Norman Mailer. Published by Plume.
The sum of two halves here is amazing – I didn’t find either novel to be individually amazing, but together they worked perfectly. Typically powerful writing was a little all over the place, but got to the point eventually. Interesting to imagine the impact of the rally then cf. now, as it is so forgotten.
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: 8.5/10, American, Modern, National Book Award, Norman Mailer, Pulitzer Prize, Vietnam War
Portnoy's Complaint
Portnoy’s Complaint, April 2007, 7.5/10.
Published by Philip Roth. Published by Vintage.
First Philip Roth book. A little staccato and wondered how long it could go on for after first 100 pages, but I found it more enjoyable as it went on. Very funny, definitely a classic for a good Jewish boy. PS – Great afterward!!
Categories: Uncategorized
Tagged: 7.5/10, American, Fiction, Modern, Philip Roth
