Philip Roth in the Curious Case of the Dog and the Poisoned Hamburger
By Dan Friedman October 9, 2009
Last night French channel 5 showed a new interview with Philip Roth filmed especially for the French release of his novel “Exit Ghost” (Exit le fantôme). Which is available to watch here and which they report here.
In it, Roth is complimented on his vast, sunny, quiet Manhattan apartment, whereupon he complains to the French interviewer: “There’s a dog upstairs that barks. I’d like to give it a kick or some poisoned hamburger.” (Il y a un chien qui jappe au-dessus. J’aimerais lui donner un coup de pied ou un hamburger empoisonné.)
Sad that he still hasn’t won the Nobel Prize for Literature but not that surprising in the end, then, Roth didn’t win the Nobel Prize for Peace. Although, with the award going this year to Barack Obama for evoking unconditional love from the whole of western Europe, the criteria for that prize seem to be in a transitional phase.
Hat tip and more to Benjamin Ivry.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
That’s why I’m paying it Forward, by matching $36,000 of reader gifts. It’s an investment in the Forward’s newsroom, to continue telling the American Jewish story with truth and independence.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
Support our mission to tell the Jewish story fully and fairly.
