Central Queens Y to Host Discussion of Philip Roth's Work

The career of highly acclaimed - and often controversial – novelist Philip Roth will be discussed during an upcoming event at the Central Queens Y.

The event will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 4 at the Y, located at 67-09 108th St. in Forest Hills. The discussion is open to the public, but a $7 donation is suggested.

During the talk, author Claudia Roth Pierpont will discuss her new biography of Roth, who is one of the most renowned authors of his generation.

The author faced significant anger from the Jewish community after publishing his novel, “Portnoy’s Complaint.” At that time, he told a journalist, “I’ll never write about Jews again.”

Over the course of his career, Roth has written numerous acclaimed novels, including “Sabbath’s Theater,” “The Human Stain,” “I Married a Communist,” a series of works with the character Nathan Zuckerman as the lead and the Pulitzer Prize winning “American Pastoral.” In 2012, Roth officially retired.

Pierpont’s discussion will focus on how Roth’s life’s work will be assessed and whether early attacks on his earlier were justified.

Pierpont has been a writer for The New Yorker for more than 20 years and knows Roth personally. Her book delves into the complexities of the author’s work as well as provides anecdotes about his friends, family and literary friendships.

For more information, call 718-268-5011, ext. 151.