"Operation Shylock" offers a plethora of reading perspectives. It can be seen, as the author playfully insists, as a purported factual account of Philip Roth's Mossad involvement during an espionage mission in Athens. Or, it can be read as a zany 1960s Peter Sellers-style romp, with crazy characters bouncing from one bedroom adventure to another, engaging in increasingly outlandish deeds.

It can also serve as a profound meditation on reality, posing thought-provoking questions such as: Even with our memories and recorded journals, do we truly understand the events of our lives? Are we like the prisoners in Plato's cave, only getting a hazy and partial view of reality?

Moreover, it can be interpreted on a more personal level as Roth's attempt to reclaim his life after a near-suicidal experience with the drug Halcion. The battle between the "two" Philip Roths in the novel might also be seen as reflections of his dual personality. Additionally, it can be read as a commentary on Roth's complex relationship with the Jewish people, always a contentious topic.

The plot unfolds in Jerusalem during the John Demjanjuk trial, incorporating reflections on the Holocaust and its impact on modern Israel. The strained relations between Israel and the Palestinian people are a constant backdrop, as is the tension between Jews choosing to live in the Diaspora and those desiring to relocate to Israel.

With so much happening in the book, it's easy to get confused, not only due to the numerous plot twists but also because of its farcical elements. However, patient readers will ultimately be rewarded with clear explanations of who did what, when, and why. Nevertheless, it requires perseverance to stay focused, given the many bizarre turns the plot takes.

By no means will this be my favorite Philip Roth book. He has numerous other novels that are more coherent and powerful. For me, this book, like its cousin "The Counterlife," stands out as one of the more interesting and complex in terms of plot. It also delves deeply into history and philosophy, offering a unique blend of grimness, thoughtfulness, depth, and comedy all at once.

More like 4.5 stars, really. It's not quite as gut-punching as American Pastoral and Human Stain. However, Operation Shylock is wildly imaginative. It reaches a point where it almost borders on being crazy. And yet, it is also frequently hilarious. The story takes the reader on a journey that is filled with unexpected twists and turns. Roth's writing is as sharp as ever, and he manages to create a world that is both believable and fantastical at the same time. The characters are well-developed and complex, and the plot is engaging from start to finish. Overall, Operation Shylock is a great read that will leave you entertained and thinking long after you've finished the book.

One of the strangest (and most difficult) of Roth.

It has a cynical look at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and is sacrilegious on the theme of the self-hating Jew.

The first chapters seem to be framed, but then the confusion increases disproportionately.

Roth's work in this regard presents a complex and thought-provoking exploration.

The way he approaches the Israeli-Palestinian conflict challenges the readers' preconceived notions and forces them to confront the harsh realities.

Moreover, the theme of the self-hating Jew is delved into with a certain boldness and honesty.

As the story progresses, the confusion that sets in adds to the overall sense of mystery and intrigue.

It makes the readers question and wonder about the true nature of the characters and their motives.

Roth's ability to create such a complex and engaging narrative is truly remarkable.

His work continues to be a subject of intense study and discussion among literary scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Overall, this particular piece by Roth stands out as a unique and challenging work that defies easy categorization.

It invites the readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery and reflection, as they navigate through the maze of emotions and ideas presented in the text.

“Nu, caracterul omului nu e și soarta lui. Soarta omului e farsa pe care o joacă viața pe seama caracterului său.”

This profound statement emphasizes that a person's character is not the same as their fate. Instead, fate is like a game that life plays at the expense of a person's character.

Our character is made up of our values, beliefs, and behaviors. It is what defines us as individuals. However, our fate is influenced by many factors, some of which are beyond our control.

Life has a way of presenting us with challenges and opportunities that test our character. It is how we respond to these situations that determines our fate. If we have a strong and positive character, we are more likely to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. On the other hand, if our character is weak or negative, we may be more prone to failure and disappointment.

In conclusion, while our character is an important part of who we are, it is not the sole determinant of our fate. We must be prepared to face the games that life plays with us and use our character as a tool to navigate through the challenges and opportunities that come our way.

Relying on the narrative setup of a true spy story and even on the figure of a perfect double who, passing himself off as him, makes him the spokesperson for diasporic demands, Roth seems more than ever to be facing his eternal dilemma and torment regarding Judaism. The events of the story, while substantially confirming him in his usual positions, seem, however, for a moment, to crack his certainty and lead him to wonder not only if it was right to lash out with so much bitterness towards the mental orthodoxy of Judaism, but also if, in some cases, he could not (or should not) have committed himself to doing something concrete for the good of the people from which he too ultimately comes. Extraordinary reading, smooth and engaging. A Roth in extraordinary form. There's nothing to say.

This work by Roth delves deep into the complex relationship between the protagonist and his Jewish heritage. The use of the spy-story narrative device adds an element of excitement and mystery, making the reader eager to uncover the truth. The idea of a perfect double further complicates matters, blurring the lines between identity and authenticity. As the story unfolds, Roth's protagonist is forced to confront his own beliefs and actions, leading to a moment of self-reflection that is both poignant and thought-provoking. Overall, this is a must-read for fans of Roth's work and anyone interested in exploring the themes of identity, heritage, and belonging.

Marvelously voluptuous, yet sculpted in his now familiar graphic landscape, which is sometimes bloody, Roth makes raw his metamorphic self-realization of Zionism, Diasporism, and absolutely everything that, I think, constitutes being a Jew.

The story takes a hard turn at chapter 8. Unnecessarily so, in my humble opinion, it recaps much of the story hitherto and then reboots the plot from a seemingly new place. I didn't like that.

Otherwise, it would have merited a solid 5 stars. And yet, it is very, very good. The way Roth explores these complex themes is both thought-provoking and engaging. His use of language and imagery brings the story to life, making it a truly immersive experience.

Despite the hiccup in chapter 8, the overall quality of the book is undeniable. It is a must-read for anyone interested in Jewish history, identity, and the human experience.

There was an abundance of elements to cherish. It was brilliant, yet at the same time, it was tangled and seemed to be unraveling.

It had the feel of a first draft, meandering and repetitive in certain aspects. However, Roth's reflections on madness, Jewishness, and all the aspects in between were incredibly sharp and highly compelling.

His exploration of these complex themes added depth and substance to the work. Despite its flaws, there was an undeniable allure to it.

The way he delved into the human psyche and the cultural and social contexts was truly captivating.

It made the reader stop and think, and engage with the ideas presented.

Overall, it was a work that, despite its imperfections, had a unique charm and a powerful impact.

Operation Shylock showcases Roth at his most lighthearted and self-referential.

Written in the guise of a non-fiction work, Roth is thrust into a darkly comical situation when he hears rumors of another Philip Roth, seemingly masquerading as the author in Jerusalem.

As Roth himself is on his way to Israel, it isn't long before he has the opportunity to meet and face off against his doppelgänger.

The impostor Roth is making headlines for his support of "Diasporism" - the concept that Israel's Ashkenazy Jews should return to their ancestral European homelands to avoid a potential new Holocaust in the Middle East.

Meanwhile, the real Roth is attempting to recover from a breakdown and a series of hallucinations brought on by the prescription drug Halcion (at least that much is true).

Operation Shylock contains numerous profound ideas - about Israel, Jewish identity, the nature of fact and fiction, and the concept of self. Roth also engages with the works of other authors, from Dostoevsky's The Double to Saul Bellow's The Victim.

The events of the novel unfold parallel to the real-life trial of John Demjanjuk, the Ukrainian accused of being "Ivan the Terrible," a brutal guard at the Treblinka concentration camp.

However, this is also a comical novel, darkly and authentically humorous, with a prosthetic penis even playing a role in the story. And Operation Shylock无疑 operates on multiple levels, enjoyable both as a farce and a thought-provoking meditation. Roth is not afraid to make fun of himself in this novel either.

Readers will not find anything here to refute the claim that Roth was indeed a sexist and, at times, misogynist writer. The one female character is little more than a sexual fantasy for both Roths, and while she is described as having ample feminine curves, her character is far from fully developed. His references to his first wife also seem unnecessary and ill-advised.

Nevertheless, I enjoyed Operation Shylock. It is a clever book - perhaps some might argue overly so at times. Roth was on the verge of entering a different phase in his writing - a return to a more conventional narrative structure that would yield his later masterpieces. To be honest, I prefer that Roth, but this incarnation is still well worth your time.

Finalista al Pulitzer 1994, let me make a small premise about Philip Roth. Born in 1933 and passed away in 2018, Roth is one of the most awarded and well-known Jewish writers in America. He has been nominated for the Nobel Prize several times but has never received it.

Now let's talk about this wonderful book that is presented as the most truthful account possible of events in which the author was a protagonist in 1988. In fact, Roth was part of a Mossad counterintelligence mission. The most extraordinary part is that, thanks to Roth's skill, during the reading, we struggle to understand which parts are true and which are fictional... GENIALE!!!

The reading is not the easiest, but it is absolutely worth it. The story is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Roth's writing style is engaging and immersive, making it easy for the reader to get lost in the story. Whether you are a fan of Roth's work or simply looking for a good read, this book is definitely worth checking out.

Roth's two great themes are masturbation and his own fabulous success at having written a book about masturbation.

This is not entirely a negative assessment. At least the first of these is clearly a very significant subject. In my opinion, Portnoy's Complaint is one of the funniest books ever written. However, I feel that I quickly reach a point of diminishing returns when reading Roth. His focus is so narrow.

In Operation Shylock, he attempts to expand a little by incorporating the legacy of the Holocaust and Israeli politics. But history must always pass through the filter of his ego.

Philip Roth is the universally beloved yet widely misunderstood novelist. Here, the sexual hi-jinks are relatively minimal. There are a few good rants, but otherwise not much to enliven things.

Overall, while Roth has his strengths, his narrow focus and the dominance of his ego in his works can sometimes limit the depth and breadth of his exploration.

Superb.

It truly reminds me of Saul Bellow's Humboldt's Gift in the remarkable way it vividly illuminates a specific cultural milieu. In this instance, it is Jerusalem in 1988. I merely aim to place this worthy book in such esteemed company.

Regarding its prose style, tone, and diction, etc., it is simply inimitable. The activities that took place in Israel that year were numerous and significant. There was the First Palestinian Intifada, the Israeli suppression of it, and the trial of the alleged S.S. guard John Demjanjuk, known at the death camp Treblinka as 'Ivan the Terrible', who was ultimately acquitted.

Amid this tense setting, Roth encounters a double using his name to promote a rather wacky scheme called Diasporism, which would return Jews to the Polish countryside from which Hitler had nearly eradicated them. The double's justification for this anti-Zionist operation is that the current Israeli operations against the Intifada virtually guarantee one of two outcomes: Either the PLO eradicates all Jews in their homeland (another Holocaust) or the Jews themselves nuke the Arabs to smithereens and thus lose their souls.

The real PR has terrible trouble with the fake PR, who is a dead ringer, and mayhem ensues. My favorite character is Smilesburger, first introduced to us as a retired American jeweler. Of the dozen or so Roth books I've read, this is the most post-modern. The narrative elegantly questions its own devices and it may be the final word on the doppelgänger concept, which Vladimir Nabokov rightly found such a bore. Well, that was before Philip Roth, the real one, got his hands on it. Operation Shylock is one of the most intellectually thrilling novels I've ever read. For me, its excellence comes very close to that other Roth paragon, American Pastoral, which keeps one thinking long after the text has been laid aside.

It is a work that engages the reader on multiple levels, exploring themes of identity, history, and the complex political and social landscape of Israel during that time. The characters are vividly drawn, and the plot is filled with twists and turns that keep the reader on the edge of their seat. Overall, Operation Shylock is a masterful work of literature that deserves to be widely read and studied.

Intelligent book; full of humor and criticism. Playing with metanarratives, metafiction, and everything related (or not) to what is (or what is not) writing and, in general, literature. A book whose plot is not worth summarizing. Why? The important thing in this book is not the what, but the how (or not).

It is a very beautiful book, with touches of the best Auster, the best Pynchon, and the best Barth, while still being, at all times, its own entity, a Philip Roth (or two).

This book is a unique blend of different literary styles and techniques. It challenges the reader's perception of what literature can be and how it can be presented. The use of humor and criticism adds an extra layer of depth to the work, making it not only entertaining but also thought-provoking.

Overall, this is a book that should be read and experienced, rather than simply summarized or analyzed. It is a testament to the power of literature to surprise, delight, and challenge us.