American Pastoral (2016): Film vs Book

About the film

A respected man whose life seems perfect sees it shattered by the violent act of his daughter in the sixties.

How close is it to the book?

The film follows the main story and compresses the novel's long reflections on family and history into a quieter, more personal drama.

Read or watch first?

The book's long inner monologue is where its real power lies.

What the book gives you

American Pastoral by Philip Roth

A rich, absorbing story that makes you think about family, hope and how well we know the people we love.

Who will like it: Readers who like deep, powerful family novels about the American dream.