21st Century Literature discussion

This is the place to post any general comments about Philip Roth or articles/reviews/etc about Nemesis.

For those needing a good excuse to dig into this month's read, I would like to point out that a highly scientific and infallible group of literati (and yes, that is very tongue in cheek) has named Roth the greatest living American novelist. Now you'll have to check out what all the fuss is about...

The poll results appear on NY Mag's "Vulture" blog (http://www.vulture.com/2013/02/philip...), and the Guardian had a write-up on the same in yesterday's news (http://www.guardian.co.uk/books/books...)

Danie, I can easily disagree with "Vulture". I find he starts off strongly and I am eager to read is work and then 2/3ds of the way through suddenly it becomes dull, quickly we have a climax, which is very anti-climatic and then a lazy and boring denounment. I have read others of his besides Nemesis and am disappointed each and every time...others include: Everyman, Plot Against America and Fatherland. Someone please tell me what the big fuss is about.

Rachelle: You're definitely not alone in your opinion, because it seems like every single member in our Nemesis discussion has taken issue with the "Vulture" consensus. I think broad and completely unsupportable declarations like this are great for spurring discussion, but they can certainly leave you scratching your head at times.

Do you mean my declarations are broad and unsupported or Vulture's? If you mean mine, I did not include details so as not to spoil the story. I will be glad to offer details at any time.

LOL. Vulture's, for sure. My apologies if that came across as an insult.

No apologies necessary, I am accustomed to being questioned, I teach high school AP and IB literature. Perhaps after everyone has read and I will not spoil anything, I can be more specific.
Thank you for your kind responses. This is a new experience for me and you are making me feel very welcome.

I read Nemesis a year or so ago. My review is on my blog: http://bethslistlove.wordpress.com/20...

I'm a fan of Roth, my favorites so far being American Pastoral and The Human Stain. However I haven't successfully made it through The Plot Against America and deeply disliked The Dying Animal.

Beth wrote: "I read Nemesis a year or so ago. My review is on my blog: http://bethslistlove.wordpress.com/20...

I'm a fan of Roth, my favorites so far being Ame..."

I will look at your blog, Beth. I have not read American Pastoral nor Human Stain, perhaps they might change my opinion. Thanks

Beth wrote: "I read Nemesis a year or so ago. My review is on my blog: http://bethslistlove.wordpress.com/20...

I'm a fan of Roth, my favorites so far being Ame..."

Now, I really enjoyed The Dying Animal. Perhaps it's just where I was at the time, but I could identify with the protagonist extremely well. That's probably one of my favorite Roth books.

And, welcome Beth! :)

With Roth, you need to have an affinity for literature and solid writing. I'm not sure his mechanics such as plot structure or establishment of appropriate antagonists is as strong as it can be with others, but e is definitely one of the most artistic writers of the late 20th Century. Having said that, Nemesis was my least favorite of all of his books, and I felt it a bit dummied-down.

In case anyone is interested, Philip Roth is being profiled tonight - Friday, March 29 - on PBS's American Masters series. I believe it airs 9-10:30pm but check your local PBS station.