Why people recommend it
When She Was Good is a compelling novel by Philip Roth that explores complex themes of morality, familial duty, and personal disillusionment in mid-century America. The book received notable attention on The Book Review podcast, where Tony Scott appeared on the episode Dinosaurs, the Master of Horror and Philip Roth to discuss early works by the author. Scott positioned this particular title alongside Letting Go, describing them both as part of Roth's buttoned-up, respectable literary phase before he shifted into more provocative territory. Later in the same episode, Blake Bailey offered further literary context while discussing his biography of the author, explaining that Roth deliberately attempted to emulate Gustave Flaubert when he composed When She Was Good. Bailey observed that through this rigorous stylistic experiment, Roth successfully found his literary footing again. Reviewers and biographers frequently return to the novel to map the trajectory of Roth's expansive career, viewing it as a crucial stepping stone that showcased his evolving narrative ambitions, psychological depth, and dedication to mastering diverse literary modes before he achieved widespread mainstream notoriety with his subsequent landmark publications.
Who recommended it
- Tony Scott Discussed
- Blake Bailey Discussed
Tony Scott — 1 mention
“the two novels between goodbye Columbus and por no's complaint when she was good and and letting go are sort of his buttoned up respectable literary”
Blake Bailey — 1 mention
“and then he tried to be like Flo bear and he wrote when she was good and he found himself again”