American Pastoral

WINNER OF THE PULITZER PRIZE
Book 1 of 3: American Trilogy

Philip Roth’s masterpiece offers a piercing exploration of the promises of prosperity, civic order, and domesticity in twentieth-century America.

The Story

‘Swede’ Levov is the epitome of the American dream:

• Cocooned by a devoted family.
• Thriving in a demanding yet rewarding (and lucrative) business.
• Blessed with sporting prowess and good looks.

He is the embodiment of post-war America—liberty, hope, and success. Until one sunny day in 1968, when his bountiful American luck takes a devastating turn.

The tragedy strikes painfully close to home. Swede’s beloved daughter, Merry, transforms into a fanatical teenager, capable of an unimaginable act of political terrorism. This savage act plunges the Levov family into the chaotic political turmoil of 1960s America, exposing the dark underbelly of a seemingly thriving society. Powerless against the shocking events, Swede can only watch as his idyllic life unravels.

Why Read American Pastoral?

• Extraordinarily nuanced and poignant, this novel is the first in an eloquent trilogy of post-war American novels.
• Cemented Philip Roth’s reputation as one of the greatest American novelists of the twentieth century.

Critical Acclaim

‘Full of insight, full of sharp ironic twists, full of wisdom about American idealism, and full of terrific fun... A profound and personal meditation on the changes in the American psyche over the last fifty years’ – Financial Times