Novels1967-1972

Thissecondvolumepresentsfourextraordinarilydiverseworksdisplayingtherangeandoriginalityofhisfictionalart.WhenSheWasGood(1967)isthetrenchantportraitofLucyNelson,ayoungmidwesternwomanwhoseperceptionofherownsufferingturnsherintoaferociousforce,"enemy-riddenandunforgivinglydefiant,"asRothwouldlaterdescribeher.Asmall-town1940sAmericaofrestrictivesocialpressuresandforeclosedopportunitiesprovidesthenovel'sbackground.ThepublicationofthehilariousPortnoy'sComplaint(1969)wasaculturaleventthatturnedRothintoareluctantcelebrity.Theconfessionofabewilderedpsychoanalyticpatient...