If this hadn't been written by Philip Roth, I wonder if anyone would read it. The Humbling is about an actor, told in the third person, who loses the ability to act and retreats to his dwelling in the Berkshires. The redemption comes, of course, since this is Roth, in the form of a woman, but paradoxically, a lesbian. In brief, the first chapter is wonderful, simply wonderful, and the rest of the book is often not worth the read. The dialogues are stiff -- Roth is no longer interested in the sound of American speech --, the characters other than Axler, the actor, aren't fully fleshed out. The book reads like an early draft for another novel. Not recommended. This is a short Novella 120 pages maybe 140. I read it because it has recently been made into a movie with Greta Gerwig who I really enjoy. The story is not very interesting. I can see where it might make a movie or stage play. As a Novel there is not much there. I always enjoy Roth as a writer and this is not exception, but I did not find the materials very interesting. I could not identify with the characters. They are not characters I cared about. The story is depressing in its shallowness. If Roth is trying to create a feeling of hopelessness he does it well.
What do You think about A Humilhação (2009)?
Roth alter ego Simon Axler at seventy can no longer act. He wants to die but tries love once more.
—corrine
Heavy. Fast read. Sad. But very interesting, short read.
—fairygirl
Well that was interesting, maybe. Definitely intense.
—haley
A good fast read in Roth's beautiful writing style.
—nic
