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3.58 AVERAGE
3.58 AVERAGE
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Questo Babbitt non è stato un personaggio facile d'amare, quanto di peggio nell'americano repubblicano medio degli anni '20 ci possa essere, quando poi cerca il riscatto in una ventata di "libertà" è pure peggio, ma a 5 righe dalla fine riesce quasi a redimersi ai miei occhi; è chiaro come sia più facile fare combattere ad altri le proprie battaglie, ma anche supportare il proprio figlio ha un certo appeal e in fondo Babbitt non è niente altro che il prodotto del suo tempo. Menzione d'onore per la scrittura di Sinclair Lewis che non conoscevo e del gruppo di lettura di anobii che mi ha accompagnato nella lettura.
Conservatism 101... 'American Democracy did not imply and equality of wealth, but did demand a wholesome sameness of thought, dress, painting, morals, and vocabulary.'
nuff said . . .
nuff said . . .
I can't read this, I gave up about a fifth of the way through, it seemed much too dated (and the characterization too flat and unsympathetic) to hold my interest.
A good read about the rewards and price paid in conforming to an urban lifestyle in America in the early 20th century .
I don't normally assign star ratings to classics, because my assumption is that if a work is still in print and selling long after the author's demise, it must be a five-star book. To many people anyway. But I've given Babbitt a five-star rating despite its "minor classic" status because I would like everyone to read it. Why? Because, despite being published in 1922, the book is so timely that it almost seems prophetic. Not in the dystopian way of 1984 or Fahrenheit 451, but in a " the more things change, the more they stay the same" sort of way. The technology is different. The slang is different – you'll laugh at the "near-swearing" –but the people and their "issues" are exactly the same as now. Wonderful book.
While Babbitt was a bit tedious, Lewis has put together a satyre of humans likely conformity for the purpose of existing in small town America, (and probably every other small town in the world). We not only WANT to fit in - we have to fit in.
George Babbitt - mid 40's, a bit pudgy and possessing all of early 20th century cliché maleness goes about his mid life crises in totaly expected motions. He is a self important braggart who regrets the loss of his youthful enthusiasms. He circles back to his socially rebellious attitudes, has an affair and even tries to "dress" like his younger self. Only to find that he will be, and IS punished for stepping out of the expected conformity. He grows, but he also settles back into his "place". A little less judgmental for the growth.
George Babbitt - mid 40's, a bit pudgy and possessing all of early 20th century cliché maleness goes about his mid life crises in totaly expected motions. He is a self important braggart who regrets the loss of his youthful enthusiasms. He circles back to his socially rebellious attitudes, has an affair and even tries to "dress" like his younger self. Only to find that he will be, and IS punished for stepping out of the expected conformity. He grows, but he also settles back into his "place". A little less judgmental for the growth.
Ugly and painful story about an ugly and painful life, that looks like many or maybe all human lives.
I found it bearable because of the picture of life in the 1920s, and because it was very perceptive about obtuseness. And it showed me things to attend to and live more mindfully, especially when dealing with other people.
Masterfully written, multiple layers of sarcasm and irony in every action and interaction.
I found it bearable because of the picture of life in the 1920s, and because it was very perceptive about obtuseness. And it showed me things to attend to and live more mindfully, especially when dealing with other people.
Masterfully written, multiple layers of sarcasm and irony in every action and interaction.