Everyman
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1971
182
Novel • Fiction
•
American Literature•
Modern Classic FictionNew Jersey • Contemporary
1971
Adult
18+ years
Everyman by Philip Roth follows the life of an unnamed, elderly man who reflects on his past life, relationships, and the inevitability of death after dying of a heart attack during surgery, with the narrative revisiting key moments from his life, including his three marriages, health struggles, and search for meaning. Themes include stoicism amid suffering and the pursuit of vitality through relationships.
Melancholic
Contemplative
Dark
Emotional
Bittersweet
21,329 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Philip Roth's Everyman is a compelling exploration of aging, mortality, and regret, earning praise for its poignant and reflective prose. Critics commend Roth’s unflinching honesty and vivid character portrayal. However, some find the narrative bleak and the protagonist unsympathetic. Overall, Roth's craftsmanship is evident, though the somber tone may not appeal to all readers.
Readers who appreciate introspective narratives on aging and mortality will enjoy Philip Roth's Everyman. If you like the existential depth of Saul Bellow's Herzog or the poignant reflections in Ian McEwan's Saturday, this novel will resonate with its sober contemplation of life's inevitable decline.
21,329 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
182
Novel • Fiction
•
American Literature•
Modern Classic FictionNew Jersey • Contemporary
1971
Adult
18+ years
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