Book Review: The Humbling by Philip Roth (48 in 2012? #34)

One thing writers are taught to pay attention to is the first sentence of any piece of work.  It’s the first impression the reader will get of the story and will usually set the tone for what is in store on the pages to follow.  You want a sentence that will grab the reader and make them want to read more.  You want to set the scene, set the characters, set the place of time and do so if the most efficient way possible.  It’s a lot to ask of one sentence.  A well crafted first sentence is the sign of a true artist.  Philip Roth lends credence those who feel he is one of the best writers alive with the first sentence of his novel “The Humbling.”  “He’d lost his magic.”  With four small words Roth tells us the theme of the whole novel, a great deal about his main character and an idea of how the story will be set.  At the same time, it leaves so many questions that the reader is compelled read further.  Who is this guy?  What has he lost magic in?  What effect will this loss have on him or lead him to?

            Much like the works of Kurt Vonnegut, The Humbling is a rich piece of work that is a quick read.  Roth tells the grave story of a man who has lost the talent he used to define himself.  His economy of words tells a brisk tale without sacrificing depth or gravity.  The novel deals with many heavy ideas like the effect of aging on your psyche, the loss of identity, and what depths will one go through to make up for both and does so in a manner that is easy to read and process.
            The Humbling is not a novel for the faint of heart.  While Roth never reaches Chuck Palahniuk levels of graphic detail or perverseness, he is totally willing to follow his characters to depths that may make some uncomfortable.  He is not shy with his sexual depictions and takes his characters to places that show the depths of their pain.  At the same time, none of his writing ever feels gratuitous.  The scenes work to further the story he is trying to tell, help set the characters in the mind frame that is essential to the journey they are taking.  This is an adult tale written for adults.
            While not Roth’s most famous or lauded piece of work, The Humbling is a wonderful piece of literature.  It is an efficient yet compelling story that never sacrifices character for art.  It’s a quick read, so it’s hard not to recommend, since even if you don’t like it, you’ll only lose a few hours of your life.  If you’re easily shocked or offended, then this probably isn’t the novel for you, but if you enjoy a well crafted character study that sometimes delves into dark places, give this one a try.