Reddit meter
American Pastoral
423 pages, 1998
This masterpiece is an elegy for all the twentieth century's promises of prosperity, civic order, and domestic bliss. Philip Roth gives us a novel of unqualified greatness that is an elegy for all the twentieth century's promises of prosperity and civic order.
The protagonist is Seymour Swede Levov—a legendary high school athlete, a devoted family man, a hard worker, and the prosperous inheritor of his father's Newark glove factory—who comes of age in thriving, triumphant post-war America. And then one day in 1968, Swede's beautiful American luck deserts him.
For Swede's adored daughter, Merry has grown from a loving, quick-witted girl into a sullen, fanatical teenager—a teenager capable of an outlandishly savage act of political terrorism. And overnight Swede is wrenched out of the longed-for American pastoral and into the indigenous American berserk.
Philip Roth explores the concept of the American Dream in 'American Pastoral'. He shows us that the dream is not always as perfect as it seems. The protagonist, Seymour 'Swede' Levov, appears to have it all but his life unravels in unexpected ways. This book encourages us to look beyond the surface and question the idea of the 'perfect' American life.
Roth uses the Levov family to show how political and social changes can impact individuals and families. The Vietnam War and the social unrest of the 1960s play a significant role in the story, leading to a tragic turn of events. This book encourages us to research and understand the effects of societal changes on personal lives.
In 'American Pastoral', Roth digs into the complexities of family relationships. He explores the bond between parents and children, and how it can be tested by external events. The relationship between Swede and his daughter Merry is a key focus, showing us that family dynamics can be complicated and challenging.
Roth explores the struggle with identity through his characters in 'American Pastoral'. Swede, despite his success, grapples with his Jewish identity in a predominantly WASP society. This book encourages us to take a look at our own identities and how they shape our lives.
In 'American Pastoral', Roth shows us that perception can often be far from reality. The narrator, Nathan Zuckerman, perceives Swede as leading an ideal life, but the reality is far from it. This book encourages us to check our perceptions and understand that everyone has their own struggles, regardless of how their life may appear.
Quotes 5
American Pastoral is a profoundly moving novel that uses the voice of fiction to unravel the human condition.
Martin Amis - British novelistRoth's American Pastoral is a masterful depiction of the American dream gone awry.
Zadie Smith - Contemporary authorAmerican Pastoral is a testament to Roth's genius, a novel that is both challenging and rewarding.
Harold Bloom - Literary criticAmerican Pastoral is a powerful exploration of the American psyche, a novel that is as relevant today as when it was first published.
Jonathan Franzen - American authorRoth's American Pastoral is a haunting examination of the American dream and the disillusionment that often follows.
Joyce Carol Oates - Prolific author
