Zuckerman Unbound

by Philip Roth

Book Overview

A "masterful" novel (The New York Times Book Review) from the Pulitzer Prize-winning author of American Pastoral tells the story of a bestselling writer whose life is falling apart--all because of his great good fortune.

Now in his mid-thirties, Nathan Zuckerman, a would-be recluse despite his newfound fame as a bestselling author, ventures onto the streets of Manhattan in the final year of the turbulent sixties. Not only...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0679748997
• ISBN13: 9780679748991
• Release Date: August 1995
• Publisher: Vintage
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.1" x 5.2" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

one of Roth's best books!

Roth is a great writer but I have always found his output a bit uneven. Some of his books such as this one are instant classics and others such as this novels sequel, "The Anatomy Lesson" are nothing special. This book looks at a bookish writer who has achieved overnight notoriety with a Novel on American Jews with lots of Sex in it. This of course is referring to Roth's own breakthrough novel "Portnoy's Complaint" (and if you haven't read that go out and get it now!). The writer in the novel is called Zukerman and this character pops up in other Roth novels sometimes as the main character and sometimes in a bit part. Roth claims he is not based on himself but there are obvious similarities as already noted. Roth examines Zukermans' troubled relationship with his family, his ex, his fame and his wealth. At the same time there is a marvelous character called Alvin Pepler, one of those neurotic manic fast talking neurotic jokers that pop up in Roth's novels and make him such a joy to read. Pepper wants Zukerman's help, Zukerman sees him as a joker and then a bit of a stalker - it all works gloriously well. There is a manic energy in this novel that moves it along nicely but there is a lot of meat here and it is very very funny.

More Zuckerman zaniness

In this installment of the Zuckerman story, we observe a writer who has reached the pinnacle of American celebrity recognition - a front cover on Life magazine. After publication of "Carnovsky" his polarizing, provocative, entirely sixties novel, he is now recognized in buses, deli's and on the street. He is the envy of millions, the target of others, and an object of desire among women. All he could have ever wanted, but here we see an ordinary man thrust reluctantly into the spotlight and deeply conflicted about his place there. His newfound wealth fits like an oversized suit, and he gets accosted by strangers on a regular basis. Ultimately, this book is one of realization that despite his new status as a millionaire celebrity writer, he has lost his connection with his family and his past in Newark. While romanticizing Newark, or at least revealing it to the masses, and stoking the imagination of those who believe "Carnovsky" to be autobiographical and about his family, he has lost the respect of his father and brother. Roth pokes fun at those who equate a fictional character with its author, causing us to resist the temptation to compare Nathan Zuckerman with Roth. That is too irresistible a conclusion, and probably too obvious. Roth appeals to the voyeur within us, while leaving us wondering about the lines between fact and fiction. Another highly entertaining, funny and readable work by MR Roth.

Like a breath of fresh air

I loved this book. Unlike other Philip Roth novels, this one was very user friendly, the story was a straight forward account of Nathan Zuckerman, the alter ego of Roth. In this story Nathan has published his PORTNOY like novel, and how he deals with the success of such a novel. We are shown how his life is affected and how it affects others. Whether it be groupies, kidnappers, ex-lovers, angry fans and adoring celebrities. I thought the story was fun, light and a great joy to get through. Check it out.

Very good

Roth's prose, as usual, isn't exactly easy reading, but after one of his books, you somehow see the world from a different angle. Often funny, with occasional bitterness, Roth writes another work of art.