The Philip Roth We Don't Know: Sex, Race, and Autobiography

Philip Roth's work is explored in the context of autofiction, racial reckonings, and the #MeToo movement in Jacques Berlinerblau's book, The Philip Roth We Dont Know. It challenges the author's misogyny and explores his six-decade preoccupation with unstable selves, questioning how this fictional emphasis may speak to his mental state.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2021
Publisher: University of Virginia Press

Philip Roth, a renowned author, has always been a controversial figure. His debut book, "Roth," scandalized literary society by delving into questions of Jewish identity and sexual politics in postwar America. Throughout his career, Roth faced intense scrutiny and criticism for various aspects of his work, including chauvinism and anti-Semitism. However, the discussions surrounding race, gender, and the role of personal history in fiction have intensified in the new millennium.

In his latest book, "Jacques Berlinerblau," the author offers a critical new perspective on Roth's work by examining it in the era of autofiction, highly charged racial reckonings, and the #MeToo movement. Berlinerblau challenges the existing narratives surrounding Roth by revisiting the long-running argument about his misogyny within the context of #MeToo. He considers the latest perceptions of artists accused of sexual impropriety and the impact it has on their works. By resituating the Roth debates, Berlinerblau aims to provide a fresh understanding of the author's oeuvre.

Furthermore, Berlinerblau delves into Roth's work in the context of race, revealing how it often perpetuated stereotypes. He explores Roth's six-decade preoccupation with unstable selves, questioning how this fictional emphasis on fractured personalities may reflect the author's own mental state. Throughout the book, Berlinerblau confronts both the critics and defenders of Roth, arguing that the author taught us to doubt pastoralism, whether in our personal lives or in our intellectual discourse.

"The Philip Roth We Don't Know" is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the life and work of a controversial author. By examining Roth's work in the context of autofiction, racial reckonings, and the #MeToo movement, Berlinerblau offers a fresh perspective that challenges our understanding of his legacy. This book is a valuable contribution to the ongoing discussions about literature, identity, and social change, and it will be of interest to scholars, readers, and anyone who appreciates the power of storytelling.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 160 x 237 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780813946610