El mal de Portnoy

The book's candid exploration of sexuality and identity feels both shocking and relatable. I wonder what inspired Roth to approach these themes with such frankness.

The humor often pushes boundaries, making me question whether I should be laughing or reflecting more deeply. Is that tension intentional or a reflection of the character's inner struggles?

The first-person narrative makes it so personal and visceral, but I’m curious whether Roth considered other structures or was set on this from the start.