A review by johndiconsiglio
I Married a Communist by Philip Roth

3.0

Part 2 of what’s become known as Roth’s American Trilogy. Sandwiched between the (better) American Pastoral & Human Stain, this 1998 novel transports us to ’40s-’50s Newark & lets the late master unload on McCarthyism & the blacklist. It charts the rise & ruin of a Communist roughneck radio star, mostly through the eyes of Roth’s sometimes alter ego, the awestruck Nathan Zuckerman. This is hectoring-Roth, not playful-Roth. And it’s not his best. Still, as always, he expertly catches the rhythms of a time & place. Talky, sure, but everyone should talk with such vigor. Nice ending too.