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3.66 AVERAGE
3.66 AVERAGE
challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I struggled to review this book. I think this novel is a necessary read, and I enjoyed it for its historical context, however I would not say that I “loved” the book — its gruesome and dark. However, I liked the story and the historical impact this novel has had.
I know this book made a great impact when it was published, but it really wasn’t for me. Lots of misery and suffering, nothing good about it.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Based on undercover research in the meatpackinindustry undertaken by Upton Sinclair himself, this book gives an enthralling, but also gruesome picture of the plight of the employees in the meatindustry. Not only is this industry debasing and dehumanizing for the animals which are its victims, but also for the people employed there. Their labor and toils are harsh, brutal, stupefying and exploitative. The reward for their dangerous labors is only poverty. Having read about contemporary practices within the meatindustry, this book is still relevant today and can have critical potential, as it had then. For even today the work is dangerous, not rewarding and often it are immigrants that have to do this awful work. The book lead to changes in the meatindustry shortly after it was published. Of this Sinclair said: "I aimed at the public's heart, and by accident I hit it in the stomach." Let us hope it still carries that potential.
challenging
dark
informative
sad
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Forced institutionalization, Xenophobia, Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault, Pregnancy
About Polish immigrants settling in Chicago working in packing industry. Was rediscovered during 2008 mortgage crisis cuz one way there were taken advantage of was high interest mortgage loan by builder. Good read. A little disappointed in ending.
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced