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Literary Fiction· United States

The Great American Novel

by Philip Roth
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
Published 1973English
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About This Book

Few works of literary fiction have earned the sustained critical attention that The Great American Novel (1973) by Philip Roth continues to receive. Philip Roth's 'The Great American Novel' is a satirical take on the American pastime of baseball, blending humor with a critique of American culture. The novel is a metafictional exploration of the myth of the 'Great American Novel' itself, using baseball as a metaphor for broader societal issues. Roth's work is significant for its inventive narrative style and its commentary on the American dream. Themes of American identity, satire, myth of the American dream run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorPhilip Roth
Published1973
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780679749066
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

Philip Roth’s "The Great American Novel" is a masterful satire that deftly dissects the American identity through the lens of baseball and the absurdities of its cultural mythology. With biting humor and sharp social commentary, Roth explores themes of nationalism, identity, and the disillusionment of the American Dream, ultimately challenging the very notion of what constitutes a "great" narrative. This novel not only entertains but also provokes introspection about the complexities of American life and literature.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

NYT Best Sellers
notable · national
19730
✍️
About the Author
Philip Roth
United States
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Philip Roth is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Great American Novel about?

Philip Roth's 'The Great American Novel' is a satirical take on the American pastime of baseball, blending humor with a critique of American culture. The novel is a metafictional exploration of the myth of the 'Great American Novel' itself, using baseball as a metaphor for broader societal issues. Roth's work is significant for its inventive narrative style and its commentary on the American dream.

Who wrote The Great American Novel?

The Great American Novel was written by Philip Roth, from United States. First published in 1973.

What awards has The Great American Novel won?

The Great American Novel has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Great American Novel worth reading?

The Great American Novel is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in American identity, satire, myth of the American dream.

Where can I buy The Great American Novel?

You can buy The Great American Novel on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Great American Novel?

The Great American Novel is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Great American Novel from?

The Great American Novel originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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