The Breast is the first volume of a trilogy that introduces David Kepesh.

"It appears then that my analysis has 'taken'," I tell Dr. Klinger. "A tribute to you, sir." He laughs. "You were always stronger than you thought." "I would so soon never had to find out. And besides, it's not so. I can't live like this any longer." "Yet you have, you do." "I do, but I can't. I was never strong. Only determined."

This exchange between Kepesh and Dr. Klinger reveals the complex nature of Kepesh's character. He seems to be in a state of turmoil, questioning his own strength and ability to continue living in a certain way. The reference to handing in homework on time and winning prizes suggests that Kepesh has always been driven and goal-oriented, perhaps to a fault.

Overall, this excerpt from The Breast provides a glimpse into the inner world of David Kepesh and sets the stage for what is to come in the rest of the trilogy.

This collection encompasses four stories.

I have only perused "When She Was Good" and "Portnoy's Complaint."

The former, "When She Was Good," presents a captivating narrative that delves into the complexities of a character's life.

It explores themes such as morality, identity, and the consequences of one's actions.

"Portnoy's Complaint," on the other hand, offers a unique perspective.

It is a bold and often humorous exploration of a young man's sexual and psychological frustrations.

Both stories have their own charm and engage the reader in different ways.

While I have not yet had the opportunity to read the other two stories in the collection, I am intrigued by what they might have to offer.

I look forward to delving into them and further expanding my literary experience.

Perhaps they will provide new insights and perspectives that will enhance my understanding of the human condition.

Only time will tell as I continue my exploration of this diverse collection of stories.

Portnoy's Complaint is the work that truly made Roth famous.

It delves into themes such as masturbation, the overbearing nature of Jewish mothers, and the resulting complications in love.

The Breast, on the other hand, is Roth's comical take on Kafka's Metamorphosis.

In this story, a man wakes up as a breast, leading to a series of events that are both hilarious and filled with an existential crisis.

Roth's unique writing style and his ability to explore complex themes in a humorous and engaging way have made him one of the most important and influential writers of the 20th century.

His works continue to be studied and enjoyed by readers around the world, and his impact on literature will no doubt be felt for generations to come.

Whether you're a fan of literature or simply looking for a good read, Roth's works are definitely worth checking out.

This collection is the second volume in the Library of America's projected eight-volume edition of the complete novels of Philip Roth.

Personally, I find 'Our Gang' to be among my least favorite of Roth's writings. This fact somewhat lowers my overall affection for this particular volume. However, it's important to note that the characteristic voice that is so distinctively Roth's is always present. The prose throughout the collection is truly beautiful, with a certain elegance and fluidity that draws the reader in.

'When She Was Good' is a strong novel. It has its own merits and charm. Although I, for one, am glad that Roth chose to remain faithful to his Jewish characters in his later works, this earlier novel still holds its own.

'Portnoy's Complaint' is nothing short of brilliant. It's a work that has already received a great deal of acclaim and doesn't really need any more words from me to sing its praises.

'The Breast' I found to be both exciting and provocative. It's a work that I would highly recommend to all those who have a love for the very edge of classic literature. It manages to be both conservative in its roots while also having an edgy and daring quality that makes it truly stand out.

Overall, while this volume may not be my absolute favorite, it still contains many wonderful works that showcase Roth's undeniable talent as a writer.

When She Was Good - finished 11.29.13

This work seems to have been completed on November 29, 2013. It might have been a significant piece that explored various themes and characters.

Portnoy's Complaint - finished 01.02.15

Completed on January 2, 2015, Portnoy's Complaint is likely to be a thought-provoking work. It could have delved into the inner turmoil and experiences of its protagonist.

Our Gang - finished 11.11.15

On November 11, 2015, Our Gang was completed. This might have been a work that focused on a group of individuals and their interactions, perhaps revealing the dynamics within the gang.

The Breast - finished 03.24.16

Finally, The Breast was completed on March 24, 2016. It could have been a work that dealt with complex and perhaps controversial topics related to the human body and its significance.

Each of these works seems to have its own unique characteristics and contributions to the literary world.

Since my objective is to thoroughly explore all of Roth's novels, short stories, and novellas throughout November, I alternate between listening to audiobooks and reading the print versions at different times of the day.

When driving in the car? I listen to the audio. When walking the dogs at night? Audio it is. However, when sitting in a chair by the window, sipping coffee? I prefer the print version all the way.

The only work in this volume that doesn't have an audiobook version is the somewhat outdated satire "Our Gang" which mocks the first Nixon administration. Is it not in audio form because it's a lesser Roth work? Then why does "The Breast" which is also considered a lesser Roth piece have an audio version?

Likely, there are two reasons. In the satire, Nixon is depicted as struggling against controversy that might have prevented him from serving a second term. But he did get a second term (and went on to live for several more decades), so the book fails to some extent as a predictive satire. Also, much of the sting in political satire comes from topicality. Here, the alliterative penchant of Spiro Agnew is poked fun at for laughs, but many modern listeners or readers might simply shrug and not understand all the jokes.

At any rate, it's a solid collection of Roth's works during his prime.

Tout a été dit sur ce roman controversé, hilarant et tragique. Ce roman qui a lancé la carrière du grand écrivain Philip Roth.

Alex, le narrateur, est en séance de psychanalyse. Cette voix, vulgaire et humoristique, est celle d'un jeune Juif obsédé par sa sexualité - pour ne pas dire crûment par son pénis et par la masturbation - a fait hurler d'indignation la communauté juive aussi bien israélienne qu'américaine au moment de sa parution.

Tout y passe : ses parents, son éducation, les filles ou se qu'elles représentent comme opportunité de jouir, sa grande intelligence (158 de quotient intellectuel!), sa réussite professionnelle, la politique américaine, etc. De quoi décrocher la mâchoire du lecteur à force d'éclats de rire. Un "master work", petit chef d'oeuvre qui marque d'une pierre blanche l'histoire de la littérature américaine.

The controversial, hilarious, and tragic novel has been talked about extensively. It is the novel that launched the career of the great writer Philip Roth.

Alex, the narrator, is in a psychoanalysis session. His vulgar and humorous voice, that of a young Jew obsessed with his sexuality - or rather crudely with his penis and masturbation - caused indignation among the Jewish community, both in Israel and the United States, when it was first published.

Everything is in it: his parents, his education, the girls and what they represent as an opportunity for pleasure, his great intelligence (an IQ of 158!), his professional success, American politics, and so on. Enough to make the reader's jaw drop with laughter. A "master work", a small masterpiece that marks a milestone in the history of American literature.

When She was Good is, frankly speaking, quite disturbing, being on a par with The Sterile Cuckoo. It doesn't deserve to be read again, and I wouldn't claim it's worth the time except perhaps to connect the dots in Roth's development. It's the one work of Roth's where I believe the accusation of misogyny is actually accurate.

Portnoy's Complaint is a laugh riot and the first work to demonstrate Roth's dedication to the energy of the sentence. It's a comic meditation on motherhood, Jewishness, and masturbation. It's like a sustained and unrelenting session on an Analyst's couch. This is not Sabbaths' theater, and some may find it offensive. But if you've seen American Pie or There's Something About Mary, then none of the masturbation jokes will seem unfamiliar. In fact, you might think they ripped off Roth. This work would bring Roth actual fame, and he was constantly recognized on the streets as the 'pervert Jew'. Aside from the anti-semitism, the real shocking part is that there was a time in America when a novelist was a mass market celebrity. Like his literary hero Lonoff, Roth flees New York and moves into the woods of Connecticut.

The Breast (1972) is Roth's tribute and parody of Kafka. His professor of desire wakes up as a breast, and the world is seen from that perspective. There are comic moments, but I don't think it succeeds. It would have worked well as a very short story but is not sustainable as a novella. Revisit Gregor Samsa if you want to be truly disoriented.

Our Gang is Roth's send-up of the Nixon cohorts. It uses a pretty broad brush and some fairly obvious strokes. It doesn't hold up well, but it probably seemed on the mark at the time.

When She Was Good - 5 stars

This novella is truly a gem. It captivates the reader from the very beginning with its engaging plot and well-developed characters. The story takes us on a journey through the life of the protagonist,展现出人性的复杂性 and the struggles we all face. The writing is superb, with vivid descriptions and a seamless flow that keeps you turning the pages. I highly recommend this novella to anyone looking for a thought-provoking and entertaining read.

Portnoy’s Complaint - 4 stars

Portnoy’s Complaint is another excellent novella. It offers a unique perspective on family, sexuality, and identity. The protagonist’s inner turmoil and his relationship with his parents are explored in great detail, making for a deeply personal and relatable story. The author’s writing style is both humorous and poignant, adding to the overall charm of the novella. While not as perfect as When She Was Good, it still earns a solid 4 stars and is well worth reading.

Other 2 novellas not read at this time. I look forward to exploring them in the future and sharing my thoughts with you.

Brilliant and brutal. This description seems to aptly capture the essence of some of the works being discussed.

"When She Was Good" has received a plethora of mixed reviews. However, for me, it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. I could vividly feel the intense sense of being trapped that Lucy experienced. She was horribly flawed, yet there was something about her that made her not unlikeable.

"Portnoy's Complaint" has always been a masterpiece in my eyes, and it still holds that status firmly.

"Our Gang" had its drawbacks. It ran a bit long and was perhaps a bit base in some aspects. But when it was good, it was truly fantastic. The particular critique of the lying nature of politics as a marketing enterprise was not only apt but also delivered with a ferocious intensity as it was written.

"The Breast" was unique, to say the least. It clearly made references to prior fantasies, yet it added a whole new dimension and tenor to the story of transformation.

In conclusion, these works each have their own distinct qualities that make them worthy of consideration and discussion.