Review of Indignation by Philip Roth

I've always like Roth's approach to writing. Sparse language, strong characters, intriguing storylines, a healthy dose of sauciness and erotic intrigue. He knows how to write, that's for sure. One of his most recent books, Indignation, plumbs the early Cold War-era feeling of confusion, separation and ambition. We meet a butcher's son who is off to college to escape his family's naggings, even though college doesn't treat him much better. Marcus is constantly haunted by the fear that flunking out of college means going to Korea to fight in the Korean War. His first date with a girl goes sour, even though at first everything is two thumbs-up. Then he gets in trouble with the college admin, and I won't give away any spoilers here. What is remarkable is how invested the reader becomes in Marcus's challenges. You root for him, even if you want to encourage him to change his path. He could improve his family life, his social status, but something holds him back. Marcus is sad, in one way, and hopeful in another way. It's a perfunctory statement on what many college students, no matter where and when they live. Roth has solid command on Marcus's parents, steering them into precarious positions of forcing Marcus to do things he hates. Lots of metaphors abound focusing on being a butcher, and it's fun to spot the nuances that aren't so obvious. The dialogue rings true, and it doesn't feel forced. Highly recommended book, especially if you've ever wondered what you were going to do after high school.