Patrimony: A True Story

by Philip Roth

Book Overview

Patrimony, a true story, touches the emotions as strongly as anything Philip Roth has ever written. Roth watches as his eighty-six-year-old father--famous for his vigor, charm, and his repertoire of Newark recollections--battles with the brain tumor that will kill him. The son, full of love, anxiety, and dread, accompanies his father through each fearful stage of his final ordeal, and, as he does so, discloses the survivalist tenacity that has distinguished...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0671703757
• ISBN13: 9780671703752
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 1.20 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.4" x 9.5"

Customer Reviews

The Real Roth?

Roth's very moving account of his father's passing could serve as a model for the treatment of our aging parents. Despite the subject, the story lacks even a hint of the maudlin. I loved his rant about trying to buy a good cantaloupe. What a writer!!

Touching story that will help you better understand the aging process

Heard the CD version of PATRIMONY: A TRUE STORY by Philip Roth, the touching story of how his 86-year-old father battles with the brain tumor that eventually kills him. If you've ever been in the situation where you have had a parent or grandparent get old right before your eyes, then this is a book for you . . . it will help you deal with the situation better and, also, to understand the aging process. I really felt I got to know Herman Roth and enjoyed in sharing his reminisces about growing up in Newark, as well as about life. In addition, I could relate to the difficulties that Philip Roth was going through in attempting to care for his father--especially when he, too, had to deal with a serious illness during the process. The narration by George Guidall was excellent . . . his interpretation of the elder Roth's voice was truly amazing.

A must read for those who are taking care of an aging parent

With such clarity, love, and understanding of both sides, Philip Roth writes an autobiographical account of his relationship with his father, who is 86 years old at the time the book begins. Philip Roth is to be commended for showing not only the duality in taking on such a role, but also how roles reverse...This is a must read for those who are in the role reversal, and coming to terms with a parent!

Brilliant

Read this book in two seatings. First rate non-fiction from my favorite author. Vivid scenes put you in his shoes; sad and happy at the same time.Just bought it for my father for father's day.

This is an exceptionally fine book.

Patrimony is a non-fiction account of the last years of Philip Roth's father, Herman, covering as well the family history which was so important to Herman. Not only is Roth a fine stylist, but the sensitivity of this account transcends even the exceptional style. By turns tragic, sardonic, humerous and moving, this book is a window into the values of late twentieth-century America, both good and bad