Nemesis: The Death Star
Nemesis: The Death Star
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1988
Book Brief
Beta193
Book • Nonfiction
Newark, New Jersey • 1940s
1988
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Nemesis by Philip Roth is set in Newark during a 1944 polio outbreak. The narrative focuses on Bucky Cantor, a playground director, who grapples with issues of duty, fear, and faith as he confronts the epidemic's impact on the community and his own life. The story explores broader themes of human suffering and resilience.
Reviews & Readership
91 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Reviews for Philip Roth's Nemesis are mixed. Critics commend its exploration of fear and destiny amidst a polio epidemic in 1944 Newark, lauding Roth's powerful prose and character depth. However, some find the narrative bleak and the existential themes overwhelming. Overall, it’s deemed a compelling yet somber read that effectively captures historical and emotional turmoil.
Who Should Read Nemesis: The Death Star?
Readers captivated by character-driven narratives and explorations of moral dilemmas will appreciate Nemesis by Philip Roth. Fans of Albert Camus's The Plague and William Golding's Lord of the Flies will find a similarly profound examination of human nature and society under duress.
91 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
193
Book • Nonfiction
Newark, New Jersey • 1940s
1988
Adult
18+ years
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