Portnoy's Complaint
Critique • Quotes
First editionBy Philip Roth
Publication details ▽
Publication details △
First publication
1969
Literary form
Novel
Genres
Literary
Writing language
English
Author's country
United States
Length
Approx. 80,000 words
Notable lines
She was so deeply embedded in my consciousness that for the first years of school I seem to have believed that each of my teachers was my mother in disguise.
— First line
Dreams? If only they had been! But I don't need dreams, Doctor, that's why I hardly have them—because I have this life instead. With me it all happens in broad daylight!
The legend engraved on the face of the Jewish nickel—on the body of every Jewish child!—not IN GOD WE TRUST, but SOMEDAY YOU'LL BE A PARENT AND YOU'LL KNOW WHAT IT'S LIKE.
So [said the doctor]. Now we may perhaps to begin. Yes?
— Last lines
Critique • Quotes
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