Is Phillip Roth mainly known for his erotic novels?

Goodbye, Columbus' is also a notable work. It shows Roth's early talent in depicting the relationships and the cultural context of the time. It's more about young love, family, and the clash between different social classes rather than being erotic in nature.

Some of his highly regarded novels include 'Portnoy's Complaint', 'American Pastoral', and 'The Human Stain'. However, different people might rank his works differently based on personal taste.

Another great work is 'The Human Stain'. It tells a story full of moral and social conundrums, exploring themes like race, identity, and the impact of secrets. Roth is really good at creating complex characters and thought - provoking situations in this novel.

Well, without having a specific list of Phillip Roth's picks for the best novels, we can make some educated guesses. He might have selected works by Saul Bellow, given their shared literary era and influence on American literature. Bellow's 'The Adventures of Augie March' with its vivid portrayal of a young man's journey through life could be a candidate. Also, Roth may have been a fan of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby' for its exploration of the American Dream and its beautifully crafted prose. Another possibility could be Hemingway's 'A Farewell to Arms', which is a masterful account of love and war.

One of his well - known novels is 'Portnoy's Complaint'. It's a controversial and humorous exploration of the sexual and psychological struggles of a young Jewish man.

'Sabbath's Theater' is a notable one. This novel is filled with Roth's signature exploration of human nature, with a protagonist who is complex and often self - destructive. It's a deep dive into the psyche of a man at odds with society and himself.

One of Phillip Roth's well - known dystopian novels is 'The Plot Against America'. It presents a disturbing alternate history where Charles Lindbergh becomes President and anti - Semitism rises in the United States. Roth uses this fictional scenario to explore themes of fear, bigotry, and the fragility of democracy.

Well, Phillip Roth's last novel is 'Nemesis'. It's a book that showcases Roth's masterful storytelling skills. In 'Nemesis', he weaves a tale that is both a personal exploration of his characters' lives and a broader commentary on the society they inhabit. The plot revolves around a particular time and place, with the polio epidemic as a central and menacing force. Roth has always been good at creating characters that feel real and complex, and this novel is no different. His use of language and his ability to build tension and drama make 'Nemesis' a worthy final addition to his body of work.

Phillip Roth's dystopia novels often explore complex themes. One aspect could be the breakdown of social norms. For example, in some of his works, the family structure is distorted, showing how a dystopian society can affect the most basic unit of human connection. This distortion reflects on the larger society, indicating a sense of moral and ethical decay.

I'm not sure if there is an absolute order of popularity for all 10. But 'Portnoy's Complaint' is very well - known. 'American Pastoral' also has a huge following.