Woody Allen's first novel, What's with Baum?, is set to be released in September.

      If Woody Allen were to never create another film (despite recent speculation regarding a Barcelona project), "Coup de Chance" serves as a decent, though minor, concluding note that, in its own unique manner, surpasses previous efforts. Approaching 90 and still lacking significant commercial appeal in the U.S., he has continued working well beyond any anticipated retirement age. More significantly, however, is the release of a debut novel set for later this year: "What’s with Baum?" will be published on September 23 by Simon & Schuster’s Post Hill Press. The publisher describes Allen's novel, which spans a concise 192 pages and features a recognizable typeface, as a “portrait of an intellectual crippled by neurotic worries about the futility and emptiness of life [and] a humorous glimpse into the New York publishing scene.”

      While this is not Allen’s first venture into publication—there are five anthologies from 1971 to 2022, not to mention the tumultuous release of his memoir "Apropos of Nothing" in 2020—it certainly marks a significant change later in his life and career. Some recurring themes are present: those familiar with the allegations against him might notice parallels in the main character, Asher Baum, who is married to a woman with whom he feels “uneasy due to her close bond with her son, a more accomplished author than he, and wary of her intimacy with their neighbor in Connecticut.” Adding to this, the mention of “irrationality” leading him to kiss a journalist who intends to go public with the incident suggests a rich narrative is coming.

      Below is the synopsis and cover; you can order it here:

      Asher Baum is gradually descending into madness. Can you really blame him? A middle-aged Jewish journalist turned novelist and playwright, he is riddled with anxiety over countless concerns, his dry philosophical works garner lukewarm reviews, and he has been dropped by his esteemed New York publisher. His third marriage is faltering, and he suspects his attractive and successful younger brother may have seduced his Harvard-educated wife. He feels discomfort over her close relationship with her son, a more successful author than he, and is dubious about her rapport with their neighbor in Connecticut. In a moment of irrationality, he has made an impulsive attempt to kiss a pretty young journalist during an interview she plans to make public. Is it any surprise that Baum has begun talking to himself? Bystanders shake their heads and avoid him on the street. Meanwhile, he uncovers a shocking secret that could cause turmoil if revealed. Should he keep it hidden or disclose it and jeopardize his marriage?

      "What’s with Baum?" marks Woody Allen’s first novel and embodies everything one would anticipate from him—and more. It presents a picture of an intellectual hampered by obsessive concerns about life's futility and emptiness; it offers an amusing look at the New York publishing world; most importantly, it is a highly engaging, well-crafted, tightly structured masterpiece from one of America’s most esteemed and versatile talents in cinema and literature. This comic novel is poised to turn the literary world upside down and should not be overlooked.