Diane’s review of American Pastoral > Likes and Comments
85 likes · Like
I read this last year, and oh boy, do I understand exactly what you're saying! Your review is perfect.
Your contribution to the discussion was valuable, Diane. ‘Timeless’ is the perfect adjective for this book, my second reading of it 25 years later is proof of that.
Your stars make me want to add it but your review doesn't 😅
Excellent review, Diane. It is certainly a tough book to read. Thank you for sharing your astute perceptions with the group.
This is a powerful review, Diane! I think I will have to read it soon.
Well spoken, Diane. I couldn’t have read this without our lively group discussion.
I've never really had Philip Roth on my radar, but this sounds like it's worth reading. Great review Diane.
I’m like Cathrine- to add or not to add….just not sure how curious I am but you write a persuasive argument and then a firm nope. Nice review.
Diane, yes the “plot” belies the significance of this complex American story. I consider it one of the great American novels of its time. I read this a long time ago, it was my first Roth and made an indelible impression on me from the first page. The rot within Camelot theme always interests me, tragic yet seemingly inevitable to the human condition.
Read this years ago and for some reason have no rating . I’m guessing it would have been 4 or 5 .
Ha! Your review is spot-on, Diane, particularly this: I think this one needs a second reading, but it won't be by me. I couldn't possibly go through this again.
That's exactly where I was, by the end! (Go wash out your brain with a skinny Pilcher novel!)
Thanks everyone. This was not an easy read, but I'll probably be thinking about it for a long time, and that means something. Julie, I'm using a Barbara Pym novel to cleanse and it's doing the trick.
Wonderful review, Diane! I'm glad it merited 5 stars, even though it left you emotionally exhausted.
5-Stars, encouraging. It has been on my shelf for years, but your straightforward review worries me. Perhaps I'll leave it on the shelf a while longer.
Emotionally exhausted is a perfect description. Anyone remember that movie with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?" That was like almost every conversation in this one, shouts and accusations and lies and betrayals, yada, yada. But the truth was in there somewhere.
The movie is decent, if you’ve not seen it. Of course the novel is supreme.
What a book this is. Imagine wanting to write this story and actually having the guts to go through with it. I can’t.
Excellent review, Diane.
I wondered that myself Pedro. If it was exhausting to read, what must it have been to actually write it?
I guess we’ll never know. We can only imagine.
I've wanted to read a Roth book, and wish I would had before the movie of this. Good, but I hard to capture what his words and description were probably like in the book.
I'm afraid to see the movie. May have to wait a while.
I'm watching Breaking Bad - written by Vince Gilligan - which I think is an 80s commentary on the state of the US - maybe you'd enjoy it - as a comparison or development on, from Roth?
Nice review, Diane. I read this one and some other Roth, and I confess I'm done with him. Just too many words for my taste. I'd edit severely. But I'm in the minority and he did quite well without my advice. But I still remember this book, so what am I talking about? Years later, I still remember it.
Laura, I tried Breaking Bad back when it was so popular and couldn't get into it. I might feel differently now.
Yes Betsy, I get it. I read Portnoys Complaint as a teenager (on the sly, behind closed doors in my room) but that was my only other Roth. I apparently wasn't impressed enough to go any farther with him, but this was a group read I decided to join. Too many words, too much sex, but he got my attention with this one. I can't imagine forgetting it either.
I’m just about done, Diane. I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt so exhausted reading a book or so haunted by its words and message. Timeless for sure. So relevant today. Brilliant review - you’ve summed it up perfectly.
I have this on my TBR. As a child who grew up during Vietnam, in many ways it defines my childhood. The war had started before I was born and was still going when I was 12. Believe it or not, I thought the Vietnam war was a permanent fixture. That it Just Was and that it would go on forever. Of course, I was wrong about that, but it has never left me. I still remember as a child listening to the casualty counts on Walter Cronkite, watching the coffins come off the planes, and watching footage from Kent State, even tho I was not old enough to understand it fully. For my last two childhood Halloweens I dressed as a hippie. I could find Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos on a map before I could find Austria or Romania.
As an adult, I have even traveled to Vietnam (highly recommended) and have read lots of history books about the war. I learned what ‘the Tet Offensive’ really was. The words had been burned into my brain, but I didn’t know what they meant, previous. In 2024 I read The Things They Carried and will probably reread that some day as it connected with my inner child so much.
I think that I still need to read a few things to unravel the mysteries of my 60’s 70’s childhood. And this might be one of those things.
The immolation of the monk on TV during that time is a major scene in this book Beda. This book is less about Vietnam than the dissolution of America which seemed to begin with the war. I was a child as well during that time.
Hi Diane - I watched only the first season of BB - and thought yes - pretty clever, quite funny - in places. And then I tried season two - No Way - so violent. It's just not for me.
Enough violence in real life, we don't need more on TV. Although that show was a big hit, so obviously a lot of people liked it.
I keep trying to muster the wherewithal to read this one. At some point I have to, but I am truly wanting to be in the right frame of mind. Great review and I love that you appreciated it so much, despite it being a difficult read!
Congrats Diane. I was an adult through all of that time, began college in 1966. I read a detailed book on the Vietnam era but couldn’t watch the PBS documentary. I don’t think I could read this now, at least for the next three years, maybe much longer. I think your review is excellent.
You only have to read it if you're determined to read all the Pulitzers. It certainly deserved that award, but just know it's a real downer, so yes, the right frame of mind is essential. I'm glad I read it, but glad I'm done.
Sue, this is not a novel about the war, but about the dissolution of the family of one protester, which is symbolic of the dissolution of America. It was genius in that every scene in this book is being played out today in every state in the Union. But I understand how you feel. I just wish there was a guarantee that things will be better in 3 years.
Diane wrote: "Thanks Alessandra."
It's in my home library since 1998, when it was tranlated in Italian. It has always scared me, I really don't know why. Know I could decide to by the English ebook and read it, finally
Diane, having support through this read certainly made it more manageable, both emotionally and in increasing my understanding. As Antoinette said I am exhausted and haunted. I'm not sure how long it will be before I no longer have a foot in that world.
And thanks for the levity in your closing paragraph. I'm going to hold onto that! 😆
Oh boy. Emotionally draining is something I’m not up for right now. I hope whenever I decide whether to read this I’ll have a group of brave souls too.
What a thoughtful review, Diane. You have my admiration as I have been avoiding Philip Roth for many years. And I am glad that you don’t feel that you need to read it again. This is one Pulitzer that I will pass up.
"Gory and unpleasant" Diane - I love that and yes, so right!! I'm still battling through this one, can you send me supplies (food, water, blankets) it's an ordeal but well worth it. Great review 🎈🎈
I knew I had a review to come back to. I love the "Thank God"; in truth, I'm afraid that would be my reaction as well, at least at the moment, but I'm so impressed by the all-star buddy read going on. You guys rock. One day I'll look into this with the benefit of all your perspectives.
I often say a certain book has been on my TBR for years, but this one literally has...there is a layer of dust on my copy to prove it. Your 5 stars carries a lot of weight for me, so 2026 might be the year the dust is finally shaken off my copy.
Lisa, I feel like our little group are war veterans that survived a horrendous battle. We made it through with scars to show for it.
Lori and Lorna, it's fine to decide to pass certain things by.
Mark, I'll send some anti-depressants your way. I'm still picturing Merry in that sordid condition where Swede found her.
Charles, this may not have been the right time in history to read something so relevant. At least you live in a sane country (with a fantastic leader).
back to top
message 1:
by
Kathleen
(new)
Jan 18, 2026 05:18AM
I read this last year, and oh boy, do I understand exactly what you're saying! Your review is perfect.
reply
|
flag
Your contribution to the discussion was valuable, Diane. ‘Timeless’ is the perfect adjective for this book, my second reading of it 25 years later is proof of that.
Your stars make me want to add it but your review doesn't 😅
Excellent review, Diane. It is certainly a tough book to read. Thank you for sharing your astute perceptions with the group.
This is a powerful review, Diane! I think I will have to read it soon.
Well spoken, Diane. I couldn’t have read this without our lively group discussion.
I've never really had Philip Roth on my radar, but this sounds like it's worth reading. Great review Diane.
I’m like Cathrine- to add or not to add….just not sure how curious I am but you write a persuasive argument and then a firm nope. Nice review.
Diane, yes the “plot” belies the significance of this complex American story. I consider it one of the great American novels of its time. I read this a long time ago, it was my first Roth and made an indelible impression on me from the first page. The rot within Camelot theme always interests me, tragic yet seemingly inevitable to the human condition.
Read this years ago and for some reason have no rating . I’m guessing it would have been 4 or 5 .
Ha! Your review is spot-on, Diane, particularly this: I think this one needs a second reading, but it won't be by me. I couldn't possibly go through this again. That's exactly where I was, by the end! (Go wash out your brain with a skinny Pilcher novel!)
Thanks everyone. This was not an easy read, but I'll probably be thinking about it for a long time, and that means something. Julie, I'm using a Barbara Pym novel to cleanse and it's doing the trick.
Wonderful review, Diane! I'm glad it merited 5 stars, even though it left you emotionally exhausted.
5-Stars, encouraging. It has been on my shelf for years, but your straightforward review worries me. Perhaps I'll leave it on the shelf a while longer.
Emotionally exhausted is a perfect description. Anyone remember that movie with Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?" That was like almost every conversation in this one, shouts and accusations and lies and betrayals, yada, yada. But the truth was in there somewhere.
The movie is decent, if you’ve not seen it. Of course the novel is supreme.
What a book this is. Imagine wanting to write this story and actually having the guts to go through with it. I can’t. Excellent review, Diane.
I wondered that myself Pedro. If it was exhausting to read, what must it have been to actually write it?
I guess we’ll never know. We can only imagine.
I've wanted to read a Roth book, and wish I would had before the movie of this. Good, but I hard to capture what his words and description were probably like in the book.
I'm afraid to see the movie. May have to wait a while.
I'm watching Breaking Bad - written by Vince Gilligan - which I think is an 80s commentary on the state of the US - maybe you'd enjoy it - as a comparison or development on, from Roth?
Nice review, Diane. I read this one and some other Roth, and I confess I'm done with him. Just too many words for my taste. I'd edit severely. But I'm in the minority and he did quite well without my advice. But I still remember this book, so what am I talking about? Years later, I still remember it.
Laura, I tried Breaking Bad back when it was so popular and couldn't get into it. I might feel differently now.
Yes Betsy, I get it. I read Portnoys Complaint as a teenager (on the sly, behind closed doors in my room) but that was my only other Roth. I apparently wasn't impressed enough to go any farther with him, but this was a group read I decided to join. Too many words, too much sex, but he got my attention with this one. I can't imagine forgetting it either.
I’m just about done, Diane. I’m not sure if I’ve ever felt so exhausted reading a book or so haunted by its words and message. Timeless for sure. So relevant today. Brilliant review - you’ve summed it up perfectly.
I have this on my TBR. As a child who grew up during Vietnam, in many ways it defines my childhood. The war had started before I was born and was still going when I was 12. Believe it or not, I thought the Vietnam war was a permanent fixture. That it Just Was and that it would go on forever. Of course, I was wrong about that, but it has never left me. I still remember as a child listening to the casualty counts on Walter Cronkite, watching the coffins come off the planes, and watching footage from Kent State, even tho I was not old enough to understand it fully. For my last two childhood Halloweens I dressed as a hippie. I could find Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos on a map before I could find Austria or Romania. As an adult, I have even traveled to Vietnam (highly recommended) and have read lots of history books about the war. I learned what ‘the Tet Offensive’ really was. The words had been burned into my brain, but I didn’t know what they meant, previous. In 2024 I read The Things They Carried and will probably reread that some day as it connected with my inner child so much.
I think that I still need to read a few things to unravel the mysteries of my 60’s 70’s childhood. And this might be one of those things.
The immolation of the monk on TV during that time is a major scene in this book Beda. This book is less about Vietnam than the dissolution of America which seemed to begin with the war. I was a child as well during that time.
Hi Diane - I watched only the first season of BB - and thought yes - pretty clever, quite funny - in places. And then I tried season two - No Way - so violent. It's just not for me.
Enough violence in real life, we don't need more on TV. Although that show was a big hit, so obviously a lot of people liked it.
I keep trying to muster the wherewithal to read this one. At some point I have to, but I am truly wanting to be in the right frame of mind. Great review and I love that you appreciated it so much, despite it being a difficult read!
Congrats Diane. I was an adult through all of that time, began college in 1966. I read a detailed book on the Vietnam era but couldn’t watch the PBS documentary. I don’t think I could read this now, at least for the next three years, maybe much longer. I think your review is excellent.
You only have to read it if you're determined to read all the Pulitzers. It certainly deserved that award, but just know it's a real downer, so yes, the right frame of mind is essential. I'm glad I read it, but glad I'm done.
Sue, this is not a novel about the war, but about the dissolution of the family of one protester, which is symbolic of the dissolution of America. It was genius in that every scene in this book is being played out today in every state in the Union. But I understand how you feel. I just wish there was a guarantee that things will be better in 3 years.
Diane wrote: "Thanks Alessandra."It's in my home library since 1998, when it was tranlated in Italian. It has always scared me, I really don't know why. Know I could decide to by the English ebook and read it, finally
Diane, having support through this read certainly made it more manageable, both emotionally and in increasing my understanding. As Antoinette said I am exhausted and haunted. I'm not sure how long it will be before I no longer have a foot in that world.And thanks for the levity in your closing paragraph. I'm going to hold onto that! 😆
Oh boy. Emotionally draining is something I’m not up for right now. I hope whenever I decide whether to read this I’ll have a group of brave souls too.
What a thoughtful review, Diane. You have my admiration as I have been avoiding Philip Roth for many years. And I am glad that you don’t feel that you need to read it again. This is one Pulitzer that I will pass up.
"Gory and unpleasant" Diane - I love that and yes, so right!! I'm still battling through this one, can you send me supplies (food, water, blankets) it's an ordeal but well worth it. Great review 🎈🎈
I knew I had a review to come back to. I love the "Thank God"; in truth, I'm afraid that would be my reaction as well, at least at the moment, but I'm so impressed by the all-star buddy read going on. You guys rock. One day I'll look into this with the benefit of all your perspectives.
I often say a certain book has been on my TBR for years, but this one literally has...there is a layer of dust on my copy to prove it. Your 5 stars carries a lot of weight for me, so 2026 might be the year the dust is finally shaken off my copy.
Lisa, I feel like our little group are war veterans that survived a horrendous battle. We made it through with scars to show for it.
Lori and Lorna, it's fine to decide to pass certain things by.
Mark, I'll send some anti-depressants your way. I'm still picturing Merry in that sordid condition where Swede found her.
Charles, this may not have been the right time in history to read something so relevant. At least you live in a sane country (with a fantastic leader).
