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The world would have been a better place if more people had read this book at the start of 2020.

This story of an epidemic is, unfortunately, all too familiar now. From the blame game—first targeting one group, then another—to the lack of empathy for others' pain, to the ease with which the hero becomes the villain, Philip Roth captures every step of the slow spiral into ruthlessness that comes so naturally to humans when they lose control. His tone is direct but less provocative.

The fact that these events take place during the Second World War in a predominantly Jewish community, and that the main character was left behind due to his poor eyesight, adds unexpected layers to this story—one that, unfortunately, seems doomed to repeat itself.