American Pastoral by Philip Roth

This is heart breaking and mind blowing. I think Malcolm Gladwell once mentioned how much sadder it is when the favourite loses. This deals with devastation of one who seemed externally who had it made. I am probably naive, but the story kept surprising me with the revelations about characters. It was a roller coaster of emotions. I was amazed at how he shifts perspectives and whole vistas of a character open up. The political unrest of the 60s seems relevant today. I felt particularly moved by the disillusioned father whose best intentions and efforts are utterly wasted.