A review by vegantrav
The Jungle by Upton Sinclair

5.0

No novel better highlights the harrowing, horrifying plight of the working class in the United States in the early 1900s than does The Jungle. Focusing on a family of immigrants from Lithuania, The Jungle shows in graphic, sickening detail how capitalism destroyed the health, the spirit, and the lives of millions.

While the novel is a brilliant extended argument for socialism, it is also the heartbreaking and fascinating tale of Jurgis Rudkus and his family. The Jungle is the tragedy of both Jurgis and his family and of the United States. I was appalled and horrified by this novel and reminded of the importance of the socialist cause. While The Jungle is recognized as an important piece of literary journalism, I think it is vastly underrated. This novel is a must read for anyone who cares about the plight of the poor and the working class, whose struggle continues still.