The New Canon is a regular feature, contributed by Ted Gioia, focusing on great works of fiction published since 1985. These books represent the finest literature of the current era, and are gaining recognition as the new classics of our time. In this installment of The New Canon, Gioia looks at American Pastoral by Philip Roth.
Sometimes even familiar writers can surprise you. Who would have predicted that Truman Capote, by then a quasi-comic presence on TV talk shows, would deliver such a poised and controlled masterpiece as In Cold Blood? Who would have believed that Ken Kesey would take a long enough break from hallucinogenic drugs and Merry Prankster-dom to write One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest and Sometimes a Great Notion? Who would have guessed that J.D. Salinger would live to the ripe age of 90, but stop publishing for the last 45 of those years?
And then there is the case of Philip Roth...
Most people sizing up Mr. Roth’s oeuvre at the time of his 40th birthday (back in 1973) would probably have pigeonholed him as a literary representative of the sexual revolution or perhaps as a connoisseur of taboo and quasi-neurotic strains in American life. Mr. Roth had just published The Breast, sort of a genitalia-ized alternative to Kafka’s The Metamorphosis, in which his protagonist turns into a large mammary gland. And his best known and biggest-selling book, Portnoy’s Complaint, did for onanism what Mario Puzo (author of the second best selling novel of 1969 behind Roth’s work) did for gangster stories.
Portnoy’s Complaint was banned in Australia and morphed into a punchline for jokes. When Dick Cavett quipped that one of his male guests needed to cancel his appearance on his show because “he was suffering from Portnoy’s complaint,” the network censors cut the witticism from the broadcast. In a memorable bon mot, Jacqueline Susann noted her interest in meeting Roth, but added: “I wouldn’t want to shake his hand.”
Yet by the time we get to American Pastoral (1997), a different side of Roth has apparently emerged. His protagonist here is the exact opposite of what we have come to expect in our Roth heroes. Seymour “Swede” Levov is a high school sports legend who has grown up to embody almost every aspect of the American dream. He is married to a former Miss New Jersey, operates a successful business, and comes across as a bastion of propriety and stability—almost a poster boy for happy and uncomplicated Jewish assimilation into the mainstream of American life.
Article comments
1 - Rodney Welch
I remember it being a very compelling novel, but I sure didn't find myself willing to put it in the same high company you do. Also, I thought he went overboard on the details regarding glove-making. Research is one thing, but there were passages that sounded copied from a manual.
2 - Mary
I heard a rumor that a book is coming out about Seymour "the Swede" Masin (the inspiration for Roth's Swede Levov). Does anyone know if this is true and if so, when it will be released?
3 - Bob Masin
Mary, I recently completed writing a book about my father, Seymour "Swede" Masin. It is currently going through the editing process; the final product is probably a couple of months away.
There is a common thread throughout the book about my father's growing up in Newark's Weequahic section, his extraordinary physical power and athleticism, combined with his genteel nature. There is a full chapter dedicated to the fun he had when American Pastoral was released, his meeting Philip Roth, and the attention he received. The book is entitled "SWEDE, Weequahic's Gentle Giant". Thanks, Bob Masin
4 - howard moshinsky
one must compliment PHIL ROTH on all the books he has given us in american pastoral he never wavered in following the line dont let the facts get in the way of the story
5 - Howard Moshinsky
BOB ITS HRE AT LAST THE BOOK YOU PROMISED US HE WAS THE HERO WHO LIVED IN THE 'shetl'
CALLED WEEQUAHIC BUT WE SHOULD NOT LOSE THE LEGEND HE LEFT AT MONTCLAIR STATE TEACHERS COLLEGE REGARDING THE TRULY FANTASTIC YEARS AT PANZER WITH HIS FRIEND BELLEVILLES HERMAN KNUPPEL
ALL THE BEST HOWARD MOSHINSKY
6 - Bob Knuppel
Mr.Moshinsky, My father was Herman Knuppel. He was the 6'8" center of the record setting Panzer College basketball team.
While I believe my father's height brought him critical acclaim, he always talked about Swede. Swede, he recalled was the best player on the team and the best all-around athlete he had ever known. Furthermore, Swede was apparently competitive and gracious.
Roth would relish the close friendship between the German and Jew.
The picture of the Panzer Team always hangs in my den.
My Best to you all...Thank you for the nostalgic moment.
7 - howard moshinsky
bob knuppel
bob i had lived in belleville many years ago after jitty wische had coached some good basketball teams
your dad i think was teaching at BELLEVILLE HS
NICE TO KNOW THOSE PANZER DAYS ARE REMEMBERED AND RESPECTED
HOWARD
8 - Bob Masin
Bob Knuppel, it was wonderful reading your kind words about my father. I used to hear about Herman Knuppel all the time from Swede. The big guy must have been unstoppable.
Swede attended your dad's funeral (in Pennsylvania?), and met your mother for the first time...she was extremely gracious. If you ever get to Portland, Or., let's have a beer. Regards, Bob Masin