A colleague said condescendingly that Roth's humor is adolescent.

Sure it is, but which of us have grown out of our adolescence so completely that we do not recognize its old growth in our selves?

"Portnoy's Complaint" is superb in its inventive humor. It is a work that showcases Roth's unique ability to blend the absurd and the relatable, creating a comical yet profound exploration of human nature and sexuality.

The anti-Nixon satire of "Our Gang" I find rather tiresome. While it may have been relevant and timely during its initial publication, the passage of time has perhaps dulled its impact.

The Kafkaesque "The Breast" is unexpectedly moving. Roth's use of Kafka's style and themes adds a layer of depth and complexity to the story, making it a powerful meditation on identity, transformation, and the human condition.

Overall, Roth's body of work is a testament to his literary genius and his ability to explore the human experience in all its forms, from the humorous to the tragic.

Please see my reviews of each of the four works included in this volume.

I had the opportunity to read the first edition of this book. Similar to the first volume of Roth's works published by LOA, the editors adhered to the original printings of each of the works. However, it should be noted that the editions published by Random House contain quite noticeable (and rather annoying) typographical errors. These errors unfortunately prevent this edition from being considered definitive.

It is a pity that such mistakes exist in what could otherwise be a highly regarded collection. The presence of these typographical errors can sometimes disrupt the reading experience and make it a bit less enjoyable. One would hope that in future editions, more attention would be paid to proofreading and ensuring the accuracy of the text.

Despite these flaws, the works themselves still hold great value and offer interesting insights into Roth's literary style and themes.

The pleasant surprise here is "When She Was Good".

It is a tart, traditional, and closely observed novel that delves deep into the life of a tragic character.

The story unfolds with a meticulous attention to detail, painting a vivid picture of the protagonist's world.

The author skillfully weaves a narrative that keeps the reader engaged from beginning to end.

The tragic nature of the character adds an element of pathos and depth to the novel, making it a truly captivating read.

Whether you are a fan of traditional literature or simply looking for a good story, "When She Was Good" is sure to satisfy.

It offers a unique perspective on the human condition and explores themes of love, loss, and redemption.

So, if you're in the mood for a novel that will touch your heart and make you think, give "When She Was Good" a try.

Five stars for Portnoy.

The book is not only extremely funny but also holds a tinge of sadness when one really thinks about it. It accurately depicts the cultural phenomenon of the Jewish mother, along with Jewish families, neuroses, longings, and so on.

Although it might be less precise in describing the generation after Roth.

Four stars go to When She Was Good.

It offers a very moving and internal perspective of a young woman from a troubled family as we witness her psyche crumbling.

Four stars as well for Roth's Nixon parody, Our Gang.

I read this in 1972 when I was 14 years old and found it hysterically funny back then.

Recently, I read it again just in time to commemorate the 39th anniversary of Nixon's resignation and still found myself laughing out loud.

Roth is simply perfect in his dissection of the "Tricky One".

However, only three stars for The Breast.

It has its亮点 moments, but it is too self-consciously derivative of Kafka's Metamorphosis and Gogol's The Nose, even if it is intended as a late 20th-century send-up or homage to those works.

Overall, Roth's works展现了 his unique literary talent and ability to explore various themes and characters.

Each book has its own charm and significance, making them a must-read for any literature enthusiast.

Man, is this a strange short story or what?

It really makes you wonder as you read along. The plot seems to twist and turn in the most unexpected ways.

I found myself completely engrossed, eager to reach the end to determine if the entire story was just some elaborate delusion.

The author has crafted a narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat, constantly second-guessing what is real and what is not.

Each page turn brings a new surprise, making it impossible to put the story down.

As I got closer to the end, my anticipation grew. Would it all make sense? Or would it leave me with more questions than answers?

Only time would tell as I continued to read, hoping to解开 the mystery of this strange and captivating short story.

I read only Portnoy's Complaint, as I am currently engaged in reading the Random House (Modern Library) 100 Best Novels in the English language from this and the last century. This particular novel was extremely funny, yet it is clear that it is not a book suitable for everyone.

The reason being that it contains some very detailed sexual content. I must admit that I was a little surprised to find it on the list, especially when it is among renowned works by Hemingway, D.H. Lawrence, and other literary greats.

One might wonder what criteria were used to include this novel in such an esteemed collection. Perhaps it was the boldness and originality of its subject matter, or the unique way in which the author explored the human psyche and relationships.

Nevertheless, it is important to note that while Portnoy's Complaint may have its merits, it may not be to the taste of all readers, especially those who are more sensitive to graphic sexual descriptions.

In conclusion, reading this novel has been an interesting experience, but it has also made me reflect on the diverse range of literary works that are considered to be among the best.

In this volume, published by the Library of America, the \\"early\\" works of the author are brought together, starting from When She Was Good, the second novel he published. Out of the four, only the first two appealed to me. The delirious satire on NIXON, Our Gang, although still relevant as it depicts very well the hypocrisy and \\"theatrical\\" nature of politicians, I found it a bit boring. Finally, The Breast is too \\"Kafkaesque\\", although Professor Kepesh fares much better than poor Gregorio Samsa.

\\"When She Was Good\\" catches the eye because it is the only novel by ROTH with a female protagonist, and Lucy is so well described that I really came to hate her... \\"What's wrong with this woman!\\" I thought several times while reading the book.

\\"Portnoy's Complaint\\", on the contrary, is very funny, and while reading it I couldn't help but remember the vignettes of Woody ALLEN on the psychiatrist's couch, and also the episodes of the TV series \\"Seinfeld\\"; I think the book anticipates the \\"Jewish\\" humor of the series.

The only essential novel contained in this pricey volume is Portnoy's Complaint. This particular novel stands out as a must-read. It offers a unique and engaging exploration of various themes.

However, the other novels included in this collection are really only for the most dedicated completists. They may have some value, but they lack the same level of significance and appeal as Portnoy's Complaint.

For those who are truly passionate about collecting every piece of a particular author's work or who are interested in a comprehensive study of a specific literary period, these additional novels might hold some interest. But for the average reader, the main draw of this volume is undoubtedly Portnoy's Complaint.

It is important to note that the price of this volume may be a deterrent for some, especially considering that the majority of the novels within it are not essential for a general understanding or appreciation of the author's body of work.

Overall, while Portnoy's Complaint is a great addition to any bookshelf, the decision to purchase this pricey volume should be carefully considered based on individual interests and reading goals.

When She Was Good (*** 1/2 out of 5) Read June 2017

This work展现了Roth的一种尝试，尽管评价不是特别高，但它也有其独特之处。

Portnoy's Complaint (**** out of 5) Re-read December 2017

毫无疑问，Portnoy's Complaint是这第二卷作品中的杰作。它以其大胆的自白风格吸引着读者，让人们深入了解到主人公内心的复杂世界。

Our Gang (** 1/2 out of 5) Read May 2018

Our Gang是对尼克松的讽刺之作，其讽刺力度虽然足够，但由于时代的变迁，现在读起来感觉有些过时。

The Breast (*** out of 5) Read August 2018

在这部作品中，Roth再次展现了他独特的创作风格。The Breast有着深刻的内涵，引发了人们对人性、生命等诸多方面的思考。

Portnoy's Complaint是这卷作品中的亮点，但其他作品也各有优点。Roth在不断尝试新的创作风格，他在Portnoy和The Breast中所展现出的大胆和创新，让人们对他的作品充满了期待。

Onto Volume 3!

Philip Roth's Novels: 1967 - 1972 is an outstanding collection. It is not only due to the fact that the content itself is frequently excellent, but also because the respect and admiration that went into assembling it are palpable on every page. One has to be an extremely talented writer to have their work anthologized in this way, and Roth does not let us down.

When She Was Good, the first novel, is perhaps the most challenging of the four. In a dense and convoluted story, Roth presents us with the complex lives of mid-20th-century suburban America. Or rather, one complex life in mid-20th-century America that spirals out of control and shatters all the other lives. The morality play is captivating at times, but overall the novel can be tiresome.

The second novel, Portnoy's Complaint, is arguably Roth's most popular work. The honesty and sheer boldness of it are quite remarkable. However, I had hoped for more genuine laughter rather than the occasional guilty and uncomfortable chuckle that stems from ridiculing elderly Jewish people and promiscuous ex-girlfriends.

Our Gang, the third novel, is a hilariously funny satire of Nixon's political career. Roth treats the silly and absurd comedy of his fictional president and his motley crew of idiots and evildoers as if it were actual serious dramatic matter, and for that I am grateful. But while that earnestness and enthusiasm might assist a comedic essay in maintaining a level of wisdom, it can be a bit overwhelming in a novella-length piece like this.

The Breast, the final novel, is a masterpiece. It combines the best qualities of the three preceding novels: the bold and complex prose of When She Was Good, the sexual frankness of Portnoy's Complaint, and the intelligent comedy of Our Gang. But whereas When She Was Good becomes mired in its own depth and complications, The Breast glides along the surface and avoids all those pitfalls. Where Portnoy's Complaint was as much droning anger and ugly shouting as actual wit or entertainment, The Breast cuts straight to the chase, presenting the clever and heartbreakingly real moments of the American male's sex life without all the喋喋不休 and bravado. And while Our Gang sometimes takes its humor a little too seriously, it is The Breast that takes its seriousness humorously, creating an irresistible and lively mood.

I only read Portnoy's Complaint.

It took me a long while to really get into the story, and I have to admit that it was repetitive as hell. However, towards the end, it did manage to provide a little bit of pleasure.

Come to think of it, the experience of reading this book is not unlike jerking off.

Maybe I will yet read The Breast, which sounds like Kafka's cockroach tale, except that the dude turns into a boob. Yes, a real female breast.

I'm curious to see how that story unfolds and if it will offer a different kind of reading experience compared to Portnoy's Complaint.

But for now, my thoughts are still with Complaint and the strange mix of boredom and fleeting enjoyment it gave me.

It's an interesting book, to say the least, and one that I'm sure will stay with me for a while.

Actually, I finished only with Portnoy, and that is precisely why I cracked this LoA volume.

I am truly surprised that I had not read this before. It is a coming of age novel that masquerades as a ribald sexcapade.

I read it now with the intention of piecing together more profound thoughts about the career arc of the writer who is, perhaps, the novelist of our time.

This work seems to offer a unique perspective on the journey of growing up, hidden beneath the guise of raunchy adventures.

It makes me wonder about the various themes and motifs that the author has explored throughout their career.

By delving into this particular novel, I hope to gain a better understanding of the writer's evolution and the significance of their body of work.

Perhaps there are hidden gems and insights within these pages that will shed light on the broader context of the literary landscape.

As I continue to read and analyze, I look forward to uncovering the deeper meanings and connections that lie within this seemingly lighthearted yet potentially profound piece of literature.