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Complete Nathan Zuckerman #5

The Counterlife

philip roth

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The Counterlife is about people enacting their dreams of renewal and escape, some of them going so far as to risk their lives to alter seemingly irreversible destinies. Wherever they may find themselves, the characters of The Counterlife are tempted unceasingly by the prospect of an alternative existence that can reverse their fate.

Illuminating these lives in transition and guiding us through the book's evocative landscapes, familiar and foreign, is the mind of the novelist Nathan Zuckerman. His is the skeptical, enveloping intelligence that calculates the price that's paid in the struggle to change personal fortune and reshape history, whether in a dentist's office in suburban New Jersey, or in a tradition-bound English Village in Gloucestershire, or in a church in London's West End, or in a tiny desert settlement in Israel's occupied West Bank.

324 pages, Paperback

First published January 1,1986
Series
Complete Nathan Zuckerman
Literary awards
national book critics circle award, national book award finalist, 
Places
west bank, 

This edition

Format
324 pages, Paperback
Published
August 6, 1996 by Vintage
ISBN
ASIN
Language
English
Characters More characters

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About the author

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philip roth

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Philip Milton Roth was an American novelist and short-story writer. Roth's fiction—often set in his birthplace of Newark, New Jersey—is known for its intensely autobiographical character, for philosophically and formally blurring the distinction between reality and fiction, for its "sensual, ingenious style" and for its provocative explorations of American identity. He first gained attention with the 1959 short story collection Goodbye, Columbus, which won the U.S. National Book Award for Fiction. Ten years later, he published the bestseller Portnoy's Complaint. Nathan Zuckerman, Roth's literary alter ego, narrates several of his books. A fictionalized Philip Roth narrates some of his others, such as the alternate history The Plot Against America.
Roth was one of the most honored American writers of his generation. He received the National Book Critics Circle award for The Counterlife, the PEN/Faulkner Award for Operation Shylock, The Human Stain, and Everyman, a second National Book Award for Sabbath's Theater, and the Pulitzer Prize for American Pastoral. In 2005, the Library of America began publishing his complete works, making him the second author so anthologized while still living, after Eudora Welty. Harold Bloom named him one of the four greatest American novelists of his day, along with Cormac McCarthy, Thomas Pynchon, and Don DeLillo. In 2001, Roth received the inaugural Franz Kafka Prize in Prague.

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Community Reviews

Rating(4.1 / 5.0, 99 votes)
5 stars
41(41%)
4 stars
24(24%)
3 stars
34(34%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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99 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
Vxerix
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This is not just a great story; rather, it is four great stories. Roth masterfully plays with the narrative, presenting several different resolutions for the same conflict. In the hands of a less proficient writer, this might lead to confusion, but with Roth, it is never the case.

Certain scenes, in fact, many scenes, are truly unforgettable. In the broader context of Roth's body of work, this book appears to be a transitional one. It delves into themes of identity and history. It is a complex narrative that is neatly wrapped within four smaller, intertwined stories. It serves as a crucial bridge between his shorter works and his larger, most intricate novels such as American Pastoral, Sabbath's Theater, I Married a Communist, and Human Stain.

However, there are instances in The Counterlife where the writing seems overly wrought, and the dialogue turns into a diatribe. The point is effectively made, the character is developed, and the narrative progresses, yet one can't help but wonder if people truly converse or write letters in such a manner. Nevertheless, it remains a deeply engaging and creative story that captivates the reader from start to finish.

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Tennababy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A perfect example of overwrought navel gazing of the first order.

Here, there is no one to admire, and the main characters are just shy of pathetic.

The extended speechifying becomes tedious in the extreme.

I must say that the topic of antisemitism seems prophetic, given the recent embrace of Hamas terrorists by the political left in the West.

The book gets an extra star for its narrative novelty.

However, don't expect to understand what is really happening in the story arc(s).

It's as if the author deliberately obfuscates the plot, leaving the reader in a state of confusion.

The characters' actions and motives are often unclear, making it difficult to form an emotional connection with them.

Despite its flaws, the book does have some redeeming qualities.

The exploration of the theme of antisemitism is timely and relevant, and the narrative novelty keeps the reader engaged.

Overall, it's a mixed bag, but one that is worth reading for those interested in exploring complex themes and unique narrative structures.
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Bamboozeldboy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Misogyny is a deeply ingrained and harmful attitude that has plagued societies throughout history. It is the hatred, contempt, or prejudice against women simply because of their gender.

Misogyny can manifest in various ways, such as through sexist language, discrimination in the workplace, domestic violence, and restrictions on women's rights and freedoms.

It not only affects the individual lives of women but also has a negative impact on society as a whole. By devaluing and oppressing women, misogyny limits their potential and contributions, and hinders social progress and development.

It is essential that we recognize and address misogyny in all its forms. This requires education and awareness-raising to challenge and change the deeply held beliefs and attitudes that underlie it. We must also work to create a more equal and just society where women are treated with respect and dignity, and have the same opportunities and rights as men.

Only by confronting misogyny can we hope to build a better world for all.
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Daddario123
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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I went to Naxos because Nina's mother had lent it to me. She had said, "Don't forget to return it to me. I lend it to everyone. It's the fifth time I'm buying it back." And, specifically to be part of a long line, it is still in my library.

I remember the moment when she handed me the book. Her eyes shone with a kind of enthusiasm and pride.

The story of the book being lent multiple times and bought back again and again added a certain charm to it.

As I carried it with me to Naxos, I felt a sense of connection to Nina and her mother.

In Naxos, I would often sit by the beach, the gentle breeze caressing my face, and lose myself in the pages of the book.

It became a companion during my travels, a source of inspiration and entertainment.

Even now, whenever I look at that book on my shelf, I am reminded of the wonderful time I had in Naxos and the kind gesture of Nina's mother.

It truly is a special book that holds a place in my heart and my library.
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-searching-
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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What I copied in my notebook, in this constantly bustling work schedule of mine for my fictional factory, where there is no clear dividing line between real events that end up as a deposit of fantasy, and fantastic situations that are treated as if they are really happening - memory intertwined with fantasy, as it is also in our brain.


Roth stokes the coals of life to project a different evolution of reality with the already existing components. He changes positions and protagonists, filters rumors and I believe, to tickle as much as possible those who "sneeze", and to downgrade their significance.

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-Yukami-
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Some consider this to be Roth's "best book", while others have declared it the finest novel of the past twenty-five years. Indeed, this is a brilliant, challenging work of postmodernism. It stretches the genre without breaking it, exploring the boundaries of fiction in a thought-provoking way. However, it also feels somewhat academic, as if Roth is more interested in impressing the reader with his literary cleverness than in fulfilling their emotional needs.


The Counterlife is the fifth book in the Nathan Zuckerman series, and it delves into the fascinating concept of alternative lives and the role of fiction in creating them. The story begins with Zuckerman's brother, who undergoes surgery to correct his impotence, a theme that is typical of Roth's penchant for exploring sexual and psychological issues. Tragically, the brother dies during the operation. But in the next chapter, he is alive again and has decided to become a militant, yet still impotent, Jew. Roth then flips the narrative, making Zuckerman the impotent one who wants to have surgery. The author takes the narrative to such an extreme that the characters are reading the same book we are, The Counterlife, and are perturbed by how Zuckerman has portrayed their lives.


All of this is rather heady stuff, and it could have been a great deal of fun to read. However, the book often felt like a chore. In between the postmodern pirouettes are lengthy speeches about Judeophobia and Judaism that can be tiresome. Moreover, our hero Nathan Zuckerman is a rather cold and unlikable character. He observes the world around him and uses it for his own purposes, failing to engage the reader on an emotional level. Overall, The Counterlife is a brilliant work of literature, but it is not without its flaws. Three stars for brilliance.

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vinroy11
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A novel that delves into the complex themes of identity, lies, and the unbreakable bond of being Jewish. It's not just about a writer who can't stop talking about his Jewishness; it's a profound exploration of how people attempt to reshape their personal histories through falsehoods and wonder about the what-ifs of life. And yes, being Jewish is a central aspect.

Fortunately for this particular reader, a character challenges the author regarding his incessant focus on being Jewish. Interestingly, the author isn't even a religious Jew but still feels an intense connection to all Jews. She really gives him a piece of her mind. One can't help but wonder if Roth has faced similar criticism before about his preoccupation with Jewishness, and perhaps this is his way of allowing a character to question him deeply.

Then, the author takes an unexpected turn and starts communicating directly with his characters, discussing how they should be written. While some parts of the novel may seem dull, Roth's prose is always of a high caliber. It's a good read, but perhaps not on the same level as the great American Pastoral.

\n  \"Philip\n
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Banquos_Ghost
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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This book is truly remarkable.

It offers a one-of-a-kind experience when reading it, mainly due to its ingenious structure. It plunges directly into the realm of metafiction, captivating the reader from the very start.

Moreover, Roth's prose is unflinching and bold. He is not afraid to break the rules and be humorous simultaneously.

The book provides an intelligent and perceptive exploration of identity, relationships, and the role of a writer.

It delves deep into these themes, offering profound insights and thought-provoking perspectives.

Overall, it is a great novel that combines literary craftsmanship with engaging storytelling.

It is a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of human nature and the power of literature.

Highly recommended!
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