Goodbye, Columbus

Interesting Facts

• The book consists of the titular novella and five short stories that explore themes of Jewish identity and assimilation in American society.
• The novella «Goodbye, Columbus» tells the story of a summer romance between a young man from a working-class background and a girl from a wealthy family, raising questions of social inequality and cultural differences.
• The book won the National Book Award in 1960, marking the first major recognition of Philip Roth's talent.
• The title «Goodbye, Columbus» refers to a song the protagonist listens to on a record, symbolizing his break from the past and desire for something new.
• The story «Eli, the Fanatic» from the collection was adapted for the stage and received positive reviews for its deep exploration of human relationships.