Letting Go

I've read dimissive and backhanded reviews of this novel for years and I don't know what to think. This is one of the best novels I've ever read. There are things he talks about in this novel that have been roiling around in my head for years since I read it. I'm in this book, other people I know are in this book.It's a gut wrenching, harrowing book at times, but there are no cheap shots. Everything rings true.
This novel contributed a lot more to my life than something like "Portnoy's Complaint"

If it lacks the bite and intensity that Roth would later perfect, it's because this novel is a foundation for it. It's size is a testament to a young writer figuring out the craft and all its capabilities. It is a good book, a great one that will stay with me for years to come. The word 'Ambition' is thrown around whenever an attempt is somewhat unsuccessful at accomplishing greatness. However, here is ambition that does accomplish something great. While a bit too Jamesian for my taste, Roth clearly cannot fully hide the passion that his work is noted for. Along with the great issues of his oeuvre, the passion shows through Gabe's attempt at deadening himself to his surroundings. By the end, he's just as wrapped up in the world of show more feelings as we are. show less

So, this is the 23rd Philip Roth book that I have read, though it is his first novel. I have found that first novels are often radically different from the rest of an author's work, though in this case I wouldn't say that it was all that different from some of Roth's other novels. One obvious thing that sets "Letting Go" apart is it's length; it is much longer than his other books. I haven't actually compared page numbers, but even if it weren't actually longer it (though it was) it would still seem longer. There also seemed to be a lot of name dropping going on - several references to Proust, Henry James, and others: Proust is fast becoming one of my favorite authors (though my prose sadly does not reflect that) and I am going to give show more James another chance. I think the author referencing may be a way to add legitimacy or to show off, but that is forgivable certainly.

I can't give the book a negative review - though I did find it to be tedious. I didn't really like any of the characters, though that doesn't really matter all that much. It did seem that the reader had to endure the same scenes repeatedly: Paul and Libby arguing over the same thing repeatedly, Gabe and Martha arguing over the same thing repeatedly, Gabe and Bigoness arguing over the same thing repeatedly, etc. I suppose the repetition drills in the fact that people often repeat themselves and do not often change or give in. I especially found the scenes with Bigoness to be difficult to get through; the character himself was annoying, and the confrontation with Gabe was frustrating.

A lot of the territory staked out in this novel Roth explores again (and again) later on, and I enjoyed those books a great deal more. I generally prefer Roth's work more from the mid-70's onward. If I were ranking, I'd say that this is probably my 3rd or 4th least favorite Roth book (1st has to be "The Great American Novel" and 2nd has to be "Our Gang").

Still though, it was an interesting book, and there is a lot of good stuff in it. In reply to arthurfrayn, the other reviewer of "Letting Go" here, I agree with you on all points. The characters all ring true more or less ; though there are things that today seem rather racist, sexist, and classist, I don't really fault Roth for them. I think this is a very good book - maybe as good or better than "Portnoy's Complaint," but not as good as most of his other work. show less

The psychological tension builds in this novel, Roth's first, until it reaches a crescendo towards the end. Powerful stuff. Letting Go revolves around academics Gabe Wallach and Paul Herz. It explores religion, social class, relationships and social constraints in 1950s America.

A novel that examines the unintended consequences of...well, just living a life that, in the main is not vindictive, or violent, but....difficulties arise. This is not a deliberately shocking novel, but one that was a sign of more entertaining works to come.

So far as I can see I am the only one who thinks that this is the best book by Roth. I read it at least four times and I will read it ar least four times more.

You can sure tell this was early Roth.