Patrimony : A True Story
by Philip Roth
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other reviews (showing 1-20 of 206)
All I can say is Roth knows from what he says. He tells of his father's life and death with a simple clarity that could not have been too easily managed. Nothing is sugar coated, all is laid out for us to see, the emotional and physical letting go of a beloved parent. It's one of the hardest things we ever have to do and Roth certainly could not have been blamed for being maudlin or over wrought. He was none of those things, but his pain was clearly felt.
This is my first Roth, but definitely n...more
This is my first Roth, but definitely n...more
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I always recommend this book to people interested in Roth, particularly those who have read Roth's novels. It takes on a subject that might cause a lesser writer to descend into sentimentality and nostalgia. But Roth's skills as a writer are on full display here, as he describes his father's life, old age, and death. We know Roth's father; many fathers in Roth's fiction are based on his real father.
Patrimony is a powerful and honest work - on par with some of Roth's better fiction.
Patrimony is a powerful and honest work - on par with some of Roth's better fiction.
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Read in January, 2007
recommends it for:
Roth fans
Roth has a way of looking at reality and making you face what you'd rather not. In this book, he deals with the indignities of aging, the relationship between parents and children, especially fathers and sons, and of course, death.
My takeaway from this book: life is short, no matter how long it is. If you've got your health, be grateful and do everything in your power to maintain it. Let go of life's petty annoyances and resentments and get on with the business of living.
My takeaway from this book: life is short, no matter how long it is. If you've got your health, be grateful and do everything in your power to maintain it. Let go of life's petty annoyances and resentments and get on with the business of living.
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Read in October, 2007
Though the narrative was a little too self-conscious at times for my taste (moments where Roth addresses himself--the writer, the son, even at times the audience) overall the story is so well put together, you can ignore all that. I was really impressed with the structure; the book follows a more or less straight course, but is interspersed with memories and family history which keep it from feeling like a march toward death. All that said, it is also really sad.
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Read in August, 2007
recommends it for:
adult children and parents
Roth gives an intimate glimpse into his relationship with his dying father, sparing no details, yet treating them with dignity. The book would be especially beneficial to children of aging parents and the parents themselves - I kept wanting to discuss it with my own adult children. I actually listened to the book on CD, narrated by one of the greatest of them all: George Guyidall. Sadly, the book is devoid of any sure and certain hope of eternal life.
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Read in June, 2008
I'm enjoying this book, its a touching true story of a son caring for his 86 year old father as he is diagnosed with a brain tumor. For such a sad subject its delightfully funny but then Philip Roth is a very funny author. I surprised myself by bursting into tears at the end which is strange because you totally know an 86 year old man with a brain tumor is going to die....
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This isn't one of Roth's better known works, but it really should be. (What's with the acclaim for, say, "Sabbath's Theater"?) This is a memoir, and it's one of those books where there's not a word out of place. Unforgettable scenes, perfectly pitched, affecting from start to finish. I couldn't love it more.
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Read in October, 2007
Not quite top-tier Roth, but this portrait of his father as a dying man is still wrenching, funny, and free of sentimentality. Herman Roth is presented warts and all, which allows us to feel the same stunned admiration for him that Philip has.
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recommended to Yvonne by:
WV Humanities Council
This is the book that made me like Roth. He describes taking care of his contrary elderly father. I could relate! I loved his clear details interspersed with observations of dying. I also love Roth's honesty.
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Read in August, 2008
The part when Roth calls his dad long distance to receive updates on the legendary game six of the 1986 NLCS between the Mets and the Astros moved me in a very personal way.
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Roth's true story of his father, written with a wonderful honesty. The struggle of both Roth and his father with his dad's ageing is touching, and there's humor too.
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La más hermosa y mejor lograda novela de phillp roth. Escribiría algo más serio, algo que valiera la pena sobre esta novela, pero estoy exhausto... no lo sé.
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Read in January, 2008
Better than Salinger for my English even if I hope I won't have to talk about retirement castles, facial paralysises and tumors pretty soon...
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Read in August, 2008
recommends it for:
Roth fans
Roth creates a book that captures the beauty and heartbreak of a parent's death, as well the bitterness of our own inevitable deaths. A brilliant memoir.
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Read in July, 2007
This is a pretty stunning read. Roth is fantastic at his craft and he knows not to dress it up too much. This book is simple and powerful.
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recommends it for:
For father's day gifts
An unforgettable memoir and one of Roth's best.
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