(JLNJ) As part of worldwide comments made after the death of an American literary giant, Newark Representative Bill Pascrell, Jr., celebrated the life of New Jersey-born novelist Philip Roth, who passed away on Tuesday, May 22, at the age of 85. “Philip Roth was among the greatest writers of the 20th century, but he never forgot his humble roots in New Jersey. Some of the most celebrated literary creations put to paper by an American were each anchored in Roth’s upbringing in Newark. Roth’s works taught generations about the pain inherent in postwar Jewish life, the frustrating search for identity, the threat of creeping fascism and the dark humor underlying the human experience. Producing his finest novels when most authors are entering retirement, many of his books are timeless and continue to inform our society.

“Two years ago, spurning offers from larger institutions, Roth left all of his papers and personal texts to Newark Public Library. His generosity will ensure that students and scholars will be able to study his life in the same place that aroused Roth’s own interest in books. That is the perfect capstone to an unparalleled literary life.”