Babbitt
Babbitt
Sinclair Lewis
David Sedaris
I remember I read [this book] because it was something that the better English class read in high school. - David Sedaris
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Babbitt

Babbitt

Sinclair Lewis
By
Sinclair Lewis
3.7
1619
ratings on Goodreads

In the heart of the roaring twenties, amidst the glittering veneer of American prosperity, Sinclair Lewis introduces us to George F. Babbitt, a figure emblematic of the middle-class aspiration and its inherent contradictions. Living in the fictional city of Zenith, Babbitt is the epitome of the successful real estate broker, who, beneath his veneer of societal conformity and material success, grapples with a profound existential dissatisfaction. Through Babbitt's journey, Lewis masterfully dissects the American Dream, revealing the hollow core of middle-class values, the relentless pursuit of social status, and the illusion of happiness through material gain. As Babbitt's discontent grows, his internal struggle becomes a mirror reflecting the empty pursuits and moral complacency of American society. With biting satire and keen observation, Lewis crafts a narrative that is as humorous as it is tragic, challenging the reader to question the price of conformity and the true nature of success. "Babbitt" is not merely a novel; it is a scathing critique of American culture that resonates with unsettling relevance nearly a century after its publication. Lewis's masterpiece stands as a testament to his literary genius and remains a pivotal exploration of the American soul.

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Released
1922
1 Jan
Length
344
Pages

1

recommendations

recommendation

I remember I read [this book] because it was something that the better English class read in high school. - David Sedaris
You're so earnest about morality that I hate to think how essentially immoral you must be underneath.
— Sinclair Lewis, Babbitt

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