Goodbye, Columbus by Philip Roth

I have read several books by Philip Roth in the past. And then recently I saw the
movie "Goodbye, Columbus," since it was mentioned in the sexy '70s novel "Fear
of Flying." Between the two, book and movie, I would have to say that I far prefer
the book, as Roth's writing is much more amusing and gives the story a clarity
the movie lacks.

In the movie, which starred Ali McGraw (for no good reason, by the way, since
the character Brenda Patimkin in the book is described as having red hair. .. )
there is never really a clear reason for the title. The Roth book, however, makes
it crystal clear. The title derives from Brenda's sporty brother, Ron, and his
obsession with OSU. He constantly listens to a record which was given to him
(and all the other graduating seniors) by the school, and the final few words of
the record are "Goodbye, Columbus." Since Ohio State University is located in
Columbus, Ohio, it becomes clear that the goodbye is not only for Ron and his
college experience, but also refers to the passage from childhood to adulthood
that the lead characters face. And in this novel, there is no going back to that
earlier, more innocent time.

The hero (or is he an anti-hero?) is a Newark Colleges of Rutgers University
graduate named Neil Klugman, who develops a crush on Brenda during a trip to
her country club. As his educational pedigree indicates, Neil is not wealthy. He is
just the poor cousin brought to the country club on a day trip by his cousin Doris.
Brenda has him hold her sunglasses while she swims, and he is so smitten that
he finds out her name and calls her to ask her out. It's a classic set up ... He is
the poor boy from Newark, she a rich girl from Short Hills who goes to Radcliffe.
She is everything a rich girl should be, toned and tanned, sporty and spoiled. And
despite his humble upbringing, it is Neil's fabulous mind she enjoys having
around. She has him to dinner, although his mother calls him "Bill"; she has him
back to the club, even after hours; she invites him to stay at her house for weeks,
even as her harried mother is busy planning brother Ron's wedding. But is he
using her for sex and luxury, or is she using him to get attention from her
parents? You as the reader will have to decide.

The movie does triumph during the wedding scene, but in all other cases, this
story and the words of Roth are what sparkle brighter than any movie star. This is
a clever coming of age novel, and for me, it is modern in its ambiguity. Is Neil the
hero, or the villain of the piece? You must read it to find out how the relationship
ends, and decide who plays what role for yourself.

Submitted by Gerti