Sat Oct 11 19:00:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the article and a rewrite as a news article:

**Summary:**

Jennifer Gilmore reviews Woody Allen’s debut novel, “What’s with Baum?,” published by Post Hill Press. Gilmore reflects on her evolving perspective on Allen’s work, acknowledging past admiration while now prioritizing morality due to the allegations against him by Dylan Farrow. She finds the novel derivative of Allen’s familiar themes and characters, questioning its purpose and effectiveness as a novel. Gilmore criticizes the novel’s lack of depth, humor, and engaging narrative, ultimately finding it a disappointing and unilluminating work that fails to offer anything new to the reader.

**News Article:**

**Woody Allen’s Novel ‘What’s With Baum?’ Draws Criticism, Controversy**

**By Staff Writer**

**October 8, 2025** – Woody Allen’s debut novel, “What’s With Baum?,” is generating discussion and controversy, as critics grapple with the work in the context of Allen’s personal history. The novel, published by Post Hill Press, has been met with a mixed reception, with some reviewers questioning its originality and depth.

Jennifer Gilmore, writing for The Forward, offers a critical assessment of the novel, noting its similarities to Allen’s previous work and questioning its effectiveness as a novel. Gilmore reflects on her past admiration for Allen’s films, while acknowledging the impact of the allegations made against him by his daughter, Dylan Farrow. Gilmore ultimately finds the novel uninspired and unilluminating, leaving her with little new to discover.

The publication of “What’s With Baum?” has also drawn attention to the ongoing debate surrounding Allen’s legacy, with some readers and critics finding it difficult to separate the artist from the allegations against him. The novel’s release is sure to fuel further discussion about Allen’s place in the cultural landscape and the challenges of engaging with his work in light of the serious accusations that have been made.

The release of “What’s With Baum” comes after Allen’s 2023 film *Coup de Chance*. In 2020, after protests from workers, Allen’s memoir was dropped by Hachette and picked up by small press, Skyhorse.

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