No, American Pastoral is not a true story. It is a work of fiction written by Philip Roth. The novel, published in 1997, is part of Roth’s American Trilogy and tells the story of Seymour ‘Swede’ Levov, a successful Jewish-American businessman whose life is disrupted by the social and political turmoil of the 1960s and 1970s.
While the characters and events in the book are fictional, Roth uses them to explore real historical events and societal changes, such as the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement. The novel delves into themes of identity, family, and the American Dream, offering a complex and nuanced portrayal of American life during that period.
Although the story is not based on true events, it is deeply rooted in the historical and cultural context of the time, making it a compelling and thought-provoking read.