BOOK BRIEF

The Dying Animal

Philip Roth
Guide cover placeholder

The Dying Animal

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002

Book Brief

Sparkles iconBeta
Philip Roth

The Dying Animal

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

156

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Romance

American Literature

Jewish Literature
Setting

New York City • 1990s

Topic
US History
Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

In The Dying Animal, Philip Roth explores the complexities of desire, mortality, and emotional vulnerability through the experiences of David Kepesh, a culturally knowledgeable professor. The story examines his relationships, particularly with Consuela Castillo, and delves into themes of power dynamics, aging, and the impact of physical attraction on the human psyche.

Melancholic

Emotional

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.0

13,171 ratings

58%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Philip Roth's The Dying Animal offers a provocative exploration of desire and mortality through its protagonist, David Kepesh. Critics praise Roth's incisive writing and complex character portrayal, while some note the limited emotional depth and unrelatable protagonist. The novel's candid treatment of eroticism and aging garners both admiration and critique.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Dying Animal?

A reader drawn to The Dying Animal by Philip Roth might appreciate introspective narratives exploring themes of desire, mortality, and the complexities of human relationships. Fans of Ian McEwan's Atonement or Milan Kundera's The Unbearable Lightness of Being may find similar intellectual and emotional engagements.

4.0

13,171 ratings

58%

Loved it

29%

Mixed feelings

13%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

156

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre
Romance

American Literature

Jewish Literature
Setting

New York City • 1990s

Topic
US History
Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Buy This Book

We’re just getting started

Add this title to our list of requested Study Guides!