I obviously have a different opinion of this work than some of the other reviewers. This is probably Roth's most sexually depraved novel, and admittedly he takes it too far at times. But the too far is one of the points. One of the other reviewers talks about wanting Sabbath to be "dealt a world of pain", but I couldn't disagree more. I always identified with Sabbath; I always felt sorry for him - even when I was repulsed by him. He is certainly a disgusting character, but one amazing thing that I found in this book was that within his relationship with Drenka, what on the outside looks disgusting, on the inside of the relationship is sweet and loving. The "defiling" of her grave - in the various ways that he does - can easily be seen as an extension of that. Taken out of context, it is repulsive, but within context it is almost beautiful. ...well, beautiful may be taking it a bit far.

The sexuality is not the part of Sabbath that I had difficulty with; I had much more trouble with his treatment of his wife. Even when it felt like he was doing something good by her - like visiting her in rehab - he does something horrible - like writing what he wrote in her diary. I do however share his disdain for insipid 12 step programs.

Beyond the story, this book was also interesting in that in a few sections the writing style is quite a bit different from the other Roth books that I've read. ( )

If Philip Roth had stuck to his story, this would have been a marvelous read. Instead, there are pages (and hours if you listen) of descriptions of sexual escapades, sexual exclamations, sexual innuendo, sexual appendages, ad nauseum. There really are limits to how much of that you can stand when it really doesn't add to the story or the characters. I agree with the critics and reviewers who are stunned that this was a National Book Award winner. When Roth plays it straight, there's a funny story here. Unfortunately, he seemed more interested in inserting every sexual fantasy or experience he's ever had. ( )

Interesting perspective on the values of today's society and how much of an impact a single lost and perverted soul can have on everyone else...

The worst and best part of the book is that you constantly want the main character to be dealt a world of pain because of his complete lack of morals. The problem is, this complete lack of morals causes him to not really care what happens to him, leaving the reader REALLY FRUSTRATED.

I guess this strange psychological experience is what won "Sabbath's Theater" the National Book Award, though. ( )

How this won the National Book Award is beyond me. I expect much more from a great writer like Philip Roth. Intermittantly brilliant with far too many ludicrous sex scenes. ( )

3222. Sabbath's Theater, by Philip Roth (read July 22, 1999) This book was read because it won the 1995 National Book Award. A more repulsive and loathsome book it would be hard to imagine, and I was filled with contempt not only for its author as I read it, but also for the people who chose to give it the award. I found this book totally without any redeeming value. ( )