47 pages • 1 hour read
Portnoy's Complaint
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Book Brief
274
Novel • Fiction
Newark, New Jersey • 1960s
1969
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Portnoy’s Complaint, Alexander Portnoy, a neurotic Jewish man, recounts his tangled relationships with his domineering mother, passive father, and his intense sexual obsessions to his therapist, Dr. Spielvogel. He reflects on how his overbearing upbringing and Jewish identity influence his sexual behavior and romantic failures, all within a darkly comedic narrative. The book depicts antisemitism and an attempted rape.
Humorous
Emotional
Challenging
Dark
Playful
Reviews & Readership
72,913 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Philip Roth's Portnoy's Complaint is recognized for its bold exploration of Jewish-American identity and raw sexual candor, earning praise for its humor and narrative innovation. Some critique its explicit content and perceived misogyny. While its provocativeness captivates many, it also alienates some readers, eliciting polarized responses overall.
Who Should Read Portnoy's Complaint?
A reader who would enjoy Portnoy's Complaint by Philip Roth likely appreciates candid, humorous explorations of neuroses and sexuality. Fans of J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye or John Updike's Rabbit, Run would find Roth's introspective and provocative style engaging. This reader seeks bold, psychologically nuanced narratives.
72,913 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Alex's Mother
Alex's Mother
Portrayed through Alex's perspective, she is a dominant figure in his life, embodying both the affection and criticism that shape his experiences and perceptions.
Alex's Father
Alex's Father
Introduced by Alex as a man preoccupied with his own bodily discomforts, he serves as a contrasting figure to Alex and is central to Alex’s exploration of identity.
The Monkey
The Monkey
A nickname given by Alex to a woman he has a complex and objectifying relationship with, highlighting his struggles with intimacy and understanding.
Dr. Spielvogel
Dr. Spielvogel
Alex's therapist, who serves as the listener to Alex's extensive monologues, providing a professional context to Alex's narratives throughout the novel.
274
Novel • Fiction
Newark, New Jersey • 1960s
1969
Adult
18+ years
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