Our Gang (novel)

Our Gang
First edition
AuthorPhilip Roth
LanguageEnglish
PublisherRandom House
Publication date
1971
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint (hardcover)
Pages200
ISBN978-0394478869
OCLC190674
Preceded byPortnoy's Complaint 
Followed byThe Great American Novel 

Our Gang (1971) is Philip Roth's fifth novel. A marked departure from his previous book, the popular Portnoy's Complaint, Our Gang is a political satire written in the form of a closet drama. Centered on the character of "Trick E. Dixon", a caricature of then-President Richard Nixon, the book takes its cue from an actual quote from Nixon:

From personal and religious beliefs I consider abortions an unacceptable form of population control. Furthermore, unrestricted abortion policies, or abortion on-demand, I cannot square with my personal belief in the sanctity of human life—including the life of the yet unborn. For, surely, the unborn have rights also, recognized in law, recognized even in principles expounded by the United Nations.

Roth was inspired to write Our Gang by Nixon making this statement on the same week he ordered William Calley's release from prison to house arrest.[1] As the book is written entirely as dialogue, Roth uses stage directions, such as "impish endearing smile", when Dixon is talking.

  1. ^ Clemons, Walter (November 8, 1971). "Joking in the Square". Newsweek.