Thirty years after Roth penned Portnoy's Complaint, he was honored with the Pulitzer Prize for American Pastoral. The reason behind this well-deserved accolade is simple: he is a master of the written word. He writes with a boldness and bravado that I truly admire.

However, it's important to note that this is not a book for the faint of heart or for just anyone. If my dear grandmother had happened to crack open the cover, I can guarantee that the paramedics would have arrived to find her lifeless, having succumbed to a stroke or heart attack, with the book still lying open on her chest. Portnoy's Complaint, within its nearly 300 pages, contains more vulgarity and profanity than any other book I have ever had the misfortune to encounter.

If I were to catch my son reading this before he reaches the age of 30, I would not hesitate to physically remove it from his hands. And, I can assure you, no sane mother would ever give this book to her son, regardless of his age.

Nonetheless, if you have a penchant for excellent writing and a great sense of humor, you might just find this read to be an enjoyable and enlightening experience.

"You can no more make someone tell the truth than you can force someone to love you." This profound statement sets the tone for the exploration of human nature and relationships that follows.

First published in 1969, 'Portnoy's Complaint' is a long and intense monologue. It is ostensibly addressed to a psychiatrist by Jewish American bachelor Alex Portnoy. The psychiatrist remains silent throughout, serving merely as a device to allow Alex to speak his mind freely. He vividly recounts his Jewish childhood with his neurotic parents and his subsequent relationship history, in which he sought solace in experimental sex to escape his own inner turmoil.

There are several major themes in this novel. Identity is a prominent one. The book delves deep into what it means to be Jewish, even as Alex spends much of his time trying to evade such a label. Guilt is another crucial theme. Alex is brought up in a society that uses arbitrary rules, often related to food, to train obedience, but as he matures and is affected by the consequences of these restrictions, he struggles to distinguish between valid and absurd rules.

Just like the therapist, the reader is not expected to engage with Portnoy's complaints and opinions but simply to listen. Yiddish terms are peppered throughout the book, perhaps causing some readers to miss the finer nuances the author intended. However, after a while, I found this a tiresome and rambling narrative. I wouldn't consider myself prudish, but the constant talk about masturbation left me uninterested. Alex is so self-centered that he is astonished when a young woman is upset after he breaks up with her, believing that only his feelings matter. I didn't exactly laugh out loud, but I did smile at the scandalous humor on occasion. But after a while, I just wanted to shout at Portnoy to consider someone else for once and was tempted to take a break from his self-absorbed musings.

I had been eagerly anticipating reading this book, but I found it somewhat inconsistent. It seemed like the author was simply trying to showcase how clever he was, and in the end, it was a disappointment.

I am fully aware that I might be the only person in the world who didn't appreciate this book.

However, it was really a challenge to finish reading it as it only engaged me in very few moments.

The story didn't seem to grip me tightly enough, and I often found myself losing interest.

Despite this, I still plan to read other books by Roth.

I hope that those works will be able to change my perspective and show me the true brilliance of his writing.

Maybe I just didn't click with this particular book, but I'm willing to give him another chance and explore more of his literary offerings.

Who knows, perhaps the next book will be a real masterpiece that will leave a lasting impression on me.

If we start from the premise that what is truly good with respect to art should make us suffer, either due to the intellectual demand it requires or due to the emotions it delves into, "Portnoy's Complaint" must be classified as a mediocre work or, in any case, as a minor work. Fortunately, this is not the case.

Despite the fact that its reading generates laughter (even though the author of this text does not precisely indulge in it) and that it can (and surely was) labeled as obscene, anti-Semitic or Semitic or pro-WASP or anti-WASP; the novel is much more. It is a profound self-criticism of Hebrew culture/society but also of American culture, and it is a sharp and intelligent criticism of education.

It has been fun to step into the shoes of Alex Portnoy. I'm sure I'll soon repeat the experience with Philip Roth.

The work challenges our preconceptions and forces us to look at ourselves and our society in a different light. It makes us question our values, our traditions, and our way of life. It is a work that makes us think and feel, and that is what makes it truly great.

Roth's writing is masterful, his characters are vivid and complex, and his story is engaging and thought-provoking. "Portnoy's Complaint" is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, culture, or society.

The Roth Factor. Disrespect, irony, and shrewdness. That bitter nuance in the novel's sentence that more writers should have. That nastiness that pushes thought further, without fear of the consequences for the reader.

The Complaint of Portnoy doesn't age. Since 1969, it has laid bare the anger of a generation, tempered by hypocrisy, morality, religion, and respectability.

Alex Portnoy is a man chained by the suffocating presence of his Jewish family of origin, which imposes on him to live a tragedy never chosen, never reasoned, but only acquired as a cultural heritage.

A life in the shadow of felt and resented traditions. The complaint is nothing more than a liberating shout of someone who is exhausted and doesn't even show it to the psychoanalyst, of Freudian imprint, to whom he is telling his life.

A defeated hero always left aside and hungry for identity and independence.

If you are easily impressionable people, Philip Roth is not for you. He is uncomfortable and writes what he thinks. He makes no discounts for anyone, not even for himself. He will seem antipathetic and disgusting to you.

Masturbation and sex: there are no limits and everything is allowed. Roth's character is not even politically correct or educated, but is delirious and schizophrenic. He feels trapped in the role that his family imposes on him and doesn't know how to get out of it.

"Believe me, I'm not trying to shake the mud off my back - I'm trying to dive into it!"

I also listened to the audiobook and Luca Marinelli is amazing. Perfect in rhythm and approach.

Come in love with Roth on the third attempt.

Is it possible to give 6, 7, 8 stars to this novel? The fact is that I was amazed, so much so that I included it in my personal canon without thinking twice. And not only because of the subject matter, which would deserve an essay that delved deeper into the topic, but also and especially because of the style. Of the exposition, of the construction of the sentences, simply of the way Roth says things. It is a writing that adheres perfectly to the theme treated, that keeps you glued to the page and at the same time provides continuous food for thought.

But what is this Lamentation of Portnoy (and not of Jeremiah) about? A man, a Jew, apparently successful and integrated into the American system that everyone welcomes. However, this man is full of flaws. Flaws that start from his childhood, lived in comfort and yet marked by a tyrannical mother (who will nevertheless arouse Oedipal confrontations) and a working and conservative father, suffering, a victim of life (his constipation is emblematic!). And little Alex grows up in an environment where guilt and expiation reign supreme even if the crime is insignificant, to the point of generating completely useless remorse and repentance even when Portnoy reaches adulthood.

And then, sex. Or rather, first, sex. Or better yet, sex and saws, not naturally in that order. This book is a continuous psychoanalytic (Freudian) exploration of this man's libido, from when he started to feel desire. Of the relationship with his penis, which is then the relationship he has with life, which he always asks for more (like with his penis) and of which he is perpetually dissatisfied (not like with his penis, but with the relationships in which it is involved). It is very interesting, in fact, the fact that Portnoy goes crazy for shkise, Christian girls, and, as Roth writes, that by penetrating them he wants to enter their social world too. And yet there is always a vein of the unfulfilled, the incomplete, that leads him to his lamentations; the most absurd relationship is that with the Monkey, almost a nymphomaniac through whom Portnoy tries to free himself from his blocks and millennia of guilt (the burden of the Jews), while the girl only wants to rise socially, even if affection shows through.

The whole thing is told to Dr. Spielvogel (nomen omen, in German it means "game-bird") in a way that, at times, reminded me of Woody Allen, although in Roth there is a cynicism and a crudeness much greater than the director, who often touches it gently even psychoanalytically speaking.

There would be a thousand other things to say about the Yiddish terminology, the theme of castration, that of the "tribunal of reason" that judges continuously, the comicity, the self-irony and Naomi's thought that modern Jewish men only know how to flog themselves, but a kilometre-long review would come out of it. I limit myself to concluding with perhaps the most symbolic situation of the novel: having arrived in Israel, Portnoy can no longer get erections. The weight of a people on his shoulders.

After The Human Stain and American Pastoral, which I quite liked (the first more than the second), finally with Roth it is true love.

This novel has been his cross to bear... Who knows, maybe without this novel he would have won the Nobel Prize, I don't know, who knows. What I know is that the Academy has built a wall against Roth. If it were Roth and a lamppost vying for the prize, they would have given the prize to the lamppost. Never in the history of the Prize has there been such a thing towards a writer. In fact, towards the greatest American writer of the last 50 - 60 years. Maybe because he, a Jew, told of his unease at being a Jew? Because he liked to play the pipes? Because he was a misogynist? Because in his novels women were on a par with objects? Because Micky Sabbath was a degenerate? Because Portnoy was a masturbator first and a whore later? Because Roth himself was a son of a bitch? Maybe he was the King of sons of bitches... Well, it must mean that Roth's Nobel Prize are his readers and, attention, his female readers. Every time Portnoy's Complaint (or another of his) will be read, Roth will never die. Was he a misogynist? Maybe... Would he have laughed in the face of the #MeToo movement? It could be. After his death, the scandals of abuse at the Nobel have come to light... I call it karma.

However, it is important to note that Roth's works are complex and multifaceted. While some of his characters and themes may be controversial, they also offer deep insights into human nature and society. His writing style is unique and engaging, and his works have had a significant impact on the literary world.

Instead of simply dismissing Roth as a misogynist or other negative labels, we should strive to understand his works in their entirety and appreciate the artistry and creativity that went into them. The Nobel Prize may not have recognized his achievements, but his readers around the world have, and his works will continue to be studied and enjoyed for years to come.

Alexander Portnoy: He grew up in the middle of the Jewish community, and his career (in his own opinion, perhaps in all of ours) is that of a successful Jew. But...

When starting the book (his story), he takes a deep breath and begins to tell his psychiatrist breathlessly. He is describing his stubborn and single-minded family, his childhood, his early adolescence and young adulthood with their traumas, how they influenced his development and why he has become such a person, and he is striving to learn and be treated.

  I was eight years old when Colin Kelly was blown to smithereens, and a week after my twelfth birthday Hiroshima and Nagasaki were wiped off the map. Four years of my youth were spent hating Toco, Hitler, and Mussolini, and loving this resolute and heroic republic! I would have torn my little Jewish heart out for the sake of American democracy! Yes, we won, and the enemy died, lying in the back alleys of Wilhelm-strasse, lying there dead because I prayed he would die; and now I want my rights!

Alex is an angry man. He doesn't try to be polite to the doctor he pays to attend his sessions. He is trying to release the evil within him and feel relieved. Therefore, you may feel uncomfortable when reading the words he uses; you may find them vulgar, ugly, ill-mannered, and swear words. That's right. There is a hypothesis that "even if we know many languages, we use our mother tongue when we are nervous and having sex", and Alex often spits out his anger in Yiddish. Growing up with the distinction of being a Jew in America, even in a period when the Nazis were rising, and being different and thus alienated, he is questioning this when he tells the story.

In the dilemma of "to be or not to be a Jew", we are simply listening to an angry man lying on a doctor's couch together with the doctor.

After giving up denial, it is natural for anger to come, and you can also accept the language he uses naturally when reading. Don't make too much of a fuss about it :)

“Portnoy's Complaint” by Philip Roth is a remarkable work that delves deep into various aspects of human life. It offers an intense, often humorous, and at times hilarious examination of themes such as religion, sexuality, family relationships, and identity. The novel provides an intimate look into the mind of the protagonist, Alexander Portnoy, at the age of thirty-three. It is characterized by its bold humor, raw and direct language, exploration of human psychology, challenge to the social and cultural norms of the late 1960s in the United States, and an extremely attractive narrative style.

The plot is structured as a humorous and frenetic confession of Portnoy to his therapist, Dr. Spielvogel, who remains silent until the last sentence of the novel. As Portnoy undergoes a therapy session, he unleashes his internal conflicts, shares his sexual experiences, struggles with his Jewish identity, his complicated relationship with his dominant mother, and his search for independence. Throughout this confession, he spills out his thoughts, frustrations, and experiences from childhood to adulthood, revealing his inner struggles and his quest for identity. The first-person narrative, filled with interior monologues, free associations, and a comic tone, gives an intimate view of the protagonist's psychology. Roth's choice of this style creates a sense of intimacy that allows readers to feel as if they are directly listening to the protagonist's deepest thoughts and feelings.

The novel stands out for its biting and provocative humor. Roth uses comedy to address difficult and even taboo topics of that era, making readers laugh while exploring profound and often uncomfortable questions. Through this confession in the form of interior monologues and stream of consciousness, readers are immersed in the protagonist's mind and can witness his darkest thoughts, most basic impulses, and a plethora of internal conflicts, offering us a window into the complexity of human psychology and the inner struggles with desires and responsibilities.

“Portnoy's Complaint” openly challenges the social and cultural norms of its time. Through Portnoy's experience, readers can reflect on how society influences the formation of identity and how cultural expectations can be both restrictive and liberating. Portnoy's struggle with his Jewish identity and his desire to rebel against cultural and family expectations is a constant in this “confession.” The search for authenticity and personal understanding is a central theme in the work. The novel delves into Alexander Portnoy's relationship with his Jewish identity and how this identity affects his life, especially in the context of a changing and evolving American society. Portnoy struggles with his desire to rebel against cultural and religious expectations while trying to discover who he truly is.

The novel also explores Portnoy's relationships with women, which are often negative and objectifying. He is obsessed with sex and exhibits misogynistic behaviors. His attitudes towards women oscillate between idealization and degradation. His relationships with them reflect his own internal struggles and his constant battle between his desires and his feelings of guilt. The women in the novel often become objects of desire but also a reflection of the complexities of Portnoy's psychology and his attempts to find meaning and satisfaction in the midst of his internal conflicts.

The structure of the novel, similar to a therapy session, allows Portnoy to open up and explore his deepest thoughts and emotions. As he shares his reflections with the therapist, he also shares them with the readers, creating an intimate and revealing connection. The non-linear structure, with Portnoy jumping back and forth in his memories and thoughts while talking to the therapist, contributes to the richness and depth of the narration. The narrative tension is generated through the way Portnoy confronts his own desires and internal conflicts. The struggle between his sexual impulses and his labor, sociocultural, and family responsibilities creates a constant tension. The narrative rhythm is fast and energetic, even frenetic at times, reflecting Portnoy's flow of thoughts and emotions as he speaks in his confession.

Overall, “Portnoy's Complaint” is a novel that offers a bold and comically raw literary experience of human psychology, cultural identity, sexuality, and family relationships. It challenges conventional norms and presents an intimate and provocative portrait of an individual in search of authenticity and liberation. The novel's thematic boldness, incisive humor, and focus on psychological exploration make it a highly enjoyable read. It is recommended for adult readers who are open to exploring challenging and provocative topics in literature.

The writing in this book is very good, just like most of Roth's works. However, the protagonist didn't really appeal to me.

As a child, I could feel some sympathy for him when he described the influence of his shrewish mother. But as he grew older, Portnoy's obsession with sexual gratification and objectification of women became rather tiresome.

This is a common issue in many of Philip Roth's stories. When his protagonists are likable or at least tolerable, like in "Goodbye Columbus" or "Everyman", his books are much more enjoyable for me.

Overall, I would rate this book 3.5 stars. It has its strengths in terms of writing, but the unlikable protagonist detracts from the overall experience to some extent.

Perhaps if the protagonist had been more developed or had shown some growth and change, it would have been a more engaging read. Nevertheless, Roth's talent for storytelling and his ability to explore complex themes are still evident in this work.

I had to laugh out loud throughout this amazing book.

It is truly a remarkable piece of work that had me thoroughly entertained from start to finish.

Even if it might possibly be categorized as "X-rated humour", I couldn't help but be charmed by its unique and irreverent style.

My only regret is that I didn't read it years ago!

As I delved into the pages, I was struck by how many (if not all) of Roth's observations about American society in the late 1960s apply equally well today.

It's almost as if time has stood still in some ways, and the issues and themes he explores are still relevant and thought-provoking.

Not much has changed, and yet, this book manages to offer a fresh perspective and a humorous take on the human condition.

It's a must-read for anyone who enjoys a good laugh and a deeper understanding of the world around us.

So, this was my initial encounter with Mr. Roth, and it was truly love at first sight, or perhaps at the first few lines and pages. The portrayal of human nature was极其精准 - we are never simply black or white; instead, we exist in various shades of grey. (I apologize to those who believe they are 100% black or white, but that too is within their imagination.) This is a bold book that uncovers the "secrets" that most men hold and yet prefer to keep hidden. I wonder what might occur if we were to open the Pandora's box of secrets, obsessions, and fears that rule our minds. I believe that many frustrations and their consequences, such as wars, would someday cease to exist.

This book seems to convey on almost every page - hey, you, the reader, you are not alone. You are not the only one with an overbearing mother, nor the only one who has had his penis called "little winny" by his mother. You are not the only one who masturbates and then feels remorse. Accept your body, accept yourself, accept your thoughts.

Moreover, the way Roth depicts everyday American society, with his sarcasm, irony, and fine and intelligent humor, is truly remarkable.

This is a highly recommended book.

However, the statement "HIV is Roth's syphilis" is rather inappropriate and does not seem to fit the context of the review. It might be a random or perhaps even a thoughtless addition that detracts from the overall positive tone and message of the review.