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What about a recharacterization of a roth to a traditional?

Who agrees that Philip Roth is America's last remaining novelist?

  • Philip Roth has dominated American literature ever since he crafted his first masterpiece, Goodbye, Columbus. And ever since that, epic comedies and unconquerable tragedies have been the status quo for Roth. Outside of the European literature circles, every prolific troupe of literature critics has showered Roth with great honors. He's the living lion of literature, and probably the only scribbler of his era who will be studied centuries upon centuries from now. Pynchon and McCarthy and Delillo and other celebrated authors masquerade as novelists, and should turn in their pink slips--put the pen down; stop punching keys. Roth is the triumphant American novelist. Every time I open a Roth novel, I say, "Ooh la la." And with theirs I say, "And how did this get published?" I hope some truthful and unbiased Yahooites will assemble today and admit that Roth really is the only remaining novelist in America. There are other writers--don't misunderstand me--but no one can slam the pages with passion like you know who.... Over and out, Joey

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    Oh, Joey, Joey, Joey ... Of course you know that I do not agree with your question, do you not? Seriously, why does this have to be a zero sum game? I don't at all understand your insistence on declaring one single best ever author. Literature is far more akin to a mountain range than it is to a ladder, so I fail to see why loving Roth precludes the possibility of you at least respecting the others. None of the people you mentioned masquerade. Each is brilliant in his own way, as are several other recently deceased literary lions and some still living, like Tim O'Brien, among others, whom you do not even seem to be aware of. I love that you adore Roth. I think it's fantastic. Why can't you rejoice in the pleasure I take in others? Do you eat the same food every day and sneer at those who do not share your habit?

Joey at Yahoo! Answers Visit the source

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honestly, i have no idea who you are talking about. i have some favorite authors as well, but i am certaintly not going to try and influence others' opinions on an unheard-of author in this modern day. so no, i think there are other authors whose books have kept me up at night, scrambling to finish those last few pages to get to the exciting finale! (and not stephanie meyer or j.k. rowling) hope you find the time to research more authors! :)

smartassgirl17

i'm sure some people read Roth and think "what kind of garbage is this?" their are so many different kinds of people, who like so many different kinds of things. by saying that a single author is the last *good* author, you make yourself sound arrogant. i mean seriously. the human stain was not that good. i've read things much better. you need to open you're horizons to other authors, and appreciate the ones you like, and not insult others.

Shelby [top shelf]

I disagree with you on that opinion. The greatest American novelist is Gore Vidal, a much respected, read, appreciated, and honored writer, essayist, novelist. His historical novels about the United States including Burr, Lincoln, The Golden Age, 1876 are masterpieces of American history. His other historical novels are concerned with ancient empires such the Roman Empire, and Persian Empire, etc. are the crowing glory of the American literature. In prose, style, wit, and innovative and imaginative mind, he has no equal in literature worldwide.

Oh yes, Roth. He's my hero. Who is he again? Okay but seriously, open your mind a bit. Try reading works by other authors without thinking "oh, nothing will ever be as good as dear old Roth."

Joshms

I'll have to just say that I agree with a few of the posts that basically ask, "Why just one?" I just finished The Dying Animal today, and yes he can constantly amaze, yes he keeps me coming back. But, to use one of your examples, discounting authors like Pynchon is too much of a stretch. Before you look for unbiased yahooites, I suggest some introspection, because Literature, the sharing of ideas, the painting of words on a page, is so much bigger than any one author. I would make a numerous list of authors but do not want to open myself up for attacks based on my taste. Though, in your defense, you did pick a damn fine writer. Just not on board with the single-mindedness. Mike

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