ufloat2 's review for:

Babbit by Sinclair Lewis

3.25

slow-paced

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This book is considered an American classic so I figured I’d finally get around to reading it. The narrative is satirical portrait of the middle-class white male American lifestyle, and the small circle of the world of which they think, and yet comically have no clue of anything outside that circle as it doesn’t pertain to “them”. The protagonist’s life shows the extent the white American will go to conform and take part mindlessly in capitalism, materialism, consumerism, and individualism. The small circle of which Babbitt thinks and travels depicts other white middle-class Americans as well and their very similar lives. By mid way through the book, readers feel like they’re conducting a cultural autopsy of Midwest 1920’s America. The narrative is such a slow burn and the protagonist, for me, was beginning to be insufferable. Readers learn in just how many aspects of this “perfect American life” Babbitt remains unsatisfied and dreams of more. Nearing the end, Babbitt finally begins to question the status quo as societal norms flood consequences towards him due to his decisions. Overall the book was fine to read once, since it is a classic, but I wouldn’t pick it up again unless I completely forgot its contents. The explored themes and morals are important to test and explore, but nowadays there are numerous other works that deliver the same themes and morals. If you’re a reader that thoroughly appreciates American classics (or a close-minded white American) then this is a great read.