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I really enjoyed this book, although it is tragic, I don't think that you come away with it feeling disappointed (atleast I didn't). This is a very well written novel that challenges the reader with the concept of choice and its role in fate/destiny, and how one choice might change an entire series of predetermined plans. Sometimes with an ending such as it is, you feel cheated as if you've wasted your time with the character, but this book is so well presented it simply shines. As this character is confronted with choices and situations that he is unfamiliar with, we see exactly where his weaknesses lie. He is quite a different person in the comforts of what he has come to know, his life as a butcher's son, his life as an only child, quite revered by his family, a dedicated self proclaimed "nice boy" that as it turns out, is not a very tolerant person or socially adept. There are alot of beliefs that this character confronts that may have your mind wandering to your own beliefs (religion, socialism, sexism, marriage, fraternity life) It's all here. If your looking for something that will entertain you and give you something to think about, this novel is a wonderful mix of both.
One of the best of 2008 for sure. Nothing is unnecessary here- all moves with perfect and interesting cadence. Philip Roth provides the reader with an example of how to write a novel with perfect economy so rarely seen in modern overblown fiction- no matter how entertaining. In this little book are all the essentials: history past and present in vivid color, characters one can see inside and out, psychology of choice, life's vicissitudes, humor, pathos, reflection. One is rooting for these people, while fearing the glint of the knife and the red of blood which surely will follow. Perfect.
Roth conspires to make a BJ and a hand job so crucial to this boys life. We see people like this all the time, but can rarely afford to laugh at them.
This sad story of a young man's tragically short life is filled with pity and hilarity. Roth's lyrical, introspective, and universalist skills are all here in great power.
Roth can create magic from misery. I laughed as much as I was horrified.
He draws images of life in the early fifties, it's comfort and prejudice, as skillfully as anyone. His ability to create characters of great sympathy is fully displayed here in the Romeo and Juliet roles of Marc and Olivia.
I agree with other reviewers that the ending is unwelcome, but it is telegraphed very early in the novel, so there is no surprise.
Am I missing something here. Um what just happened. The story began well and had a point to it and was entertaing.then it went to destinations unknown and now I can't figure out the purpose of the book. I was reading a good story and then all of the sudden it ended.is there a chapter missing. Was there parts of the story that forgot to be played out. It's a head scratcher to say the least. It was good up to a point and I enjoyed it, however since the story seemed to vanish like Olivia then I can't rate it any higher then 3 stars and I don't recommend it.Maybe it's a choose your own adventure book and we get to finish the story the way we want.
He can suspect who and what to trust, but he doesn't have enough experience or information to see the larger picture. Discrimination is open and sexuality is denied an existence.
Philip Roth has demonstrated that he just can't write a bad or meaningless book. Even with these weakly drawn characters the book still resonates for its portrait of the living straightjacket of the early post war years.
They capture a stultifying life where people aspire to fulfill images. For all its weaknesses, this is still very good.
Marcus' initial roommates (all Jewish and pre-selected by the school), the Dean of Men's stilted and paternal conversations, President Lentz's speech, Marcus's intitial reaction to Olivia's advances and his cluelessness about Flusser are all period pieces. Marcus, bringing his ethnic Newark experience with him to Winesburg is just like his Robert Treat instructors bringing their brash views and energy across the Hudson to Newark.
It is going to be another 20 years, as we learn in the "Historical Note" before Winesburg makes changes.
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