Nemesis

Questions About Nemesis

by Philip Roth

Reader Q&A

To ask other readers questions about Nemesis, please sign up.

Answered Questions (2)

This was a powerful book that asks what kind of god would brutalize children and adults home (polio) and abroad (WWII). This story takes place in 1945 after our invasion of Normandy and paints an apt portrait of the terrifying uncertainty of a pre-vaccine reality. What kind of person lives through this reality and how does is constitute them?
Jeanne The book answers that question. The narrator did live through exactly the same circumstances but because the narrator is not so invested in the physic…moreThe book answers that question. The narrator did live through exactly the same circumstances but because the narrator is not so invested in the physical and the toxic masculinity that traps Bucky, he is able to marry and live a productive and happy life. The point of the book is that a flexible mind that is not looking for blame or God to answer questions but sees chance and bad luck that can be overcome will persevere. Bucky is caught in his self loathing and hatred of God and cannot rise up and give in to Marcia's love. It's all there in the last section of the book.(less)
flag
The Newark's Jewish population is threatened not only by the polio epidemic but also by the hidden Nazi violence. Abandoning the area to meet his lover in a locality friendlier for natural and man-made reasons, the main character wonders how fate serves destinies to people, comparing his life with his friends fighting war in France. Fleeing a troubled area was practiced for typhoid too in the hills here. Is it OK?
Jeanne Sounds like survival to me. don't understand the question.…moreSounds like survival to me. don't understand the question.(less)
flag

Unanswered Questions (2)

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions

Learn more