Operation Shylock: A Confession

Historical Context and Significance

Philip Roth's novel «Operation Shylock: A Confession», published in 1993, is a complex exploration of identity, duality, and political conflict. Set against the backdrop of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, it gains particular relevance and depth. The protagonist, also named Philip Roth, encounters an imposter using his name to advance a political agenda known as «diasporism». This concept suggests Jews return from Israel to Europe, sparking heated debates and challenging traditional views on Zionism and Jewish identity. The book examines themes of self-awareness, moral responsibility, and the complexities of national belonging, making it significant in discussions of the Jewish diaspora and Israeli politics. The novel's cultural impact lies in its ability to provoke thought on personal and collective identity, as well as its critical perspective on the political and social realities of the late 20th century.