The Human Stain (The American Trilogy, #3) in Boxall's 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die

Sep 12, 2016 Arukiyomi rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: 1001-books

This is Philip Roth in his element, cruising along drawing on contemporary themes in public and political USAnian life and distilling them through the lens of a single individual who, in this case, is Coleman Silk.

Coleman is a university lecturer who falls foul of Theme #1: political correctness after a chance remark with the word spooks (primary meaning: ghosts) is misrepresented as a racial slur. He is forced to resign but maintains his innocence throughout and the bitterness that motivates hi ...more

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Jun 17, 2019 Tiffany rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: nancysruleof50, recommendedby-a

I don't know if this is one of those books that I don't like enough to finish, or if this is one of those books that I keep getting interrupted during so that I can never really get into it, but for whatever reason, on page 250 of 361, I decided I'd had it. Then I felt bad for giving up, so I skimmed a few pages, deeply read a few pages, skimmed a few pages, read a few pages, and by page 284, decided that no, I'm done. There are too many other books and magazines to waste my time forcing myself ...more

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Apr 29, 2013 Rachel rated it it was ok · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

Ugh. I grudgingly liked this better than the last time. At least enough to finish it. At least this jerk can write.

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Oct 22, 2007 Stacie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: group-read, i-own, 1001books

I am a really big Philip Roth fan...I like his writing and I enjoy his stories. Honestly, this book would have gotten five stars, but for the end. I kind of felt like the final 20-30 pages were unnecessary for the story, and almost felt like a rehash of the previous 300. While it wasn't horrible to read, I don't feel like it brought anything more to the story of Coleman Silk. ...more

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Apr 12, 2007 Heather rated it really liked it

This book really takes a critical look at people and institutions that think they have the answers to world problems and shows how external appearances can mask deeper truths. If anyone has had a brush with postmodern liberal arts small college politics, I believe the story will resonate with you.h

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