Exit Ghost

By: Philip Roth

Narrated by: George Guidall

Philip Roth is the most decorated American writer of his generation. In Exit Ghost, this master author crafts what may be the final chapter in the story of his beloved hero Nathan Zuckerman. After 11 years of isolation in his New England mountain refuge, Zuckerman returns to New York City and makes three important connections that threaten his carefully protected sense of isolation.©2007 Philip Roth (P)2007 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“Zuckerman may die. Roth will die. Readers will die. Literature lives on.” ( Kirkus Reviews)

“As usual, Roth's voice is wise and full of rueful wit...” ( Publishers Weekly)

“...agonizingly real yet gorgeously rendered...” ( Booklist, ALA, Starred Review)

Amazing glimpse of a literary mind!

Roth is a masterful story teller and wordsmith who quietly entices you into his world and then captures your interest to the very end . The residual is an amazing glimpse of a literary mind at the turn of the 21th century.

Philip Roth

The best! Some a little better than others, but for me he can do no wrong!

most likely one of his best if not his very best.

I've fallen in love with Roth over the past six or so months. Listening to Exit Ghost is an emotional experience. Nathan is old and going through the stages of frailty leading up to death. His mind is slipping. He's still sharp though. His mind is biting and his reflections and opinions still relevant. Exit Ghost brings us back to the plot threads of The Ghost Writer and I think both ties up some of those threads as well as leaves them open. I'd say if you've read through any of the Zuccerman novels it's worth it for you to finish this journey

Dirty Old Man

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

Not really time well spent. The story was lacking in integrity and character flaws. Very disappointed that he turned out to be such a dirty old man. A pathetic excuse for a human being.

What could Philip Roth have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

Somehow there should have been some redeeming qualities to his main character.

Do you think Exit Ghost needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

No

Vintage Roth - powerful

In this book Roth deals with the trials and tribulations of ageing and illness. Zuckerman, the main character, is torn between the rational course of action and the self destructive and painful desire for a young woman. The futility of this relationship is emphasized by the fact that it can never be consummated due to his impotence. Roth gives us great insights into ageing, sickness and the turmoil caused when the the mind and self are still full of overwhelming, infatuous desire but are trapped in a sick, decaying body.
But you don't have to be old or sick to identify with the sentiments here...Roth just mirrors and magnifies our pathetic human weaknesses and anyone who has suffered the pain of an irrational, all consuming desire will understand this too well. It's a powerfully written book with convincing narration - strongly recommended.

Incredible

I could not stop listening to this book once I started. I listened to it in the car, while I was cutting the grass, and while I was on lunch. I have learned more from Philip Roth about my country then from any politician, history book, or New York Times editorial. He is incredibly perceptive and, in my mind, is the greatest writer of all time.He truly tells it like it is.

Reader’s voice ruined it for me

This is the First time I ever preferred reading rather than listening. Very distracting and unpleasant narration.

Brilliant

A Master who only gets better--he's even got the 21st century under his hat. My only question is why hasn't he been awarded the Nobel yet? Narrator does a fine job on this marvelous book.

WARNING WARNING

Unless you are an extreme leftist you will hate this book. But, to be fair, if you are a communist and the detailed description of a ‘Marx Like’ character wetting his diaper along with his surroundings sounds appealing, then this might just be the very book for you.

not to my liking

I didn't find this book enjoyable at all - it was boring til the end. In fact if I had been reading the book I don't think I would have gone past the first chapter; all the talk about incontinence was too much, and a 70yr old mans' fondness for young women was distasteful.
All in all I did not enjoy the story...or the reading of it.