Sinclair Lewis' Babbit

by Edward Winans, Monarch Notes

This is an amazing picture of life.....babbitt is happy with his life, but he isnt , at the same time.....he has the Best of everything but he also searches for whats missing in an interesting way. Book was written with a great sense of humor and is thoroughly enjoyable to read.

Genres: Fiction, Classics

79 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 1986

Reviews

[Johnmark Larson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The seminal exploration of the American business culture. A "Fight Club" of the 1930's, seriously. You'll want to quit your job.

[Rachel]

audio book version.
This was amazing. It is a window onto America from a bit over 100 years ago. The title character is a shining example of middle class conformity which has changed dramatically in this last century. He is Father Knows Best on steroids. His sole interests are moving up and being noticed by the "right people." He belongs to several clubs including The Boosters whose purpose is to help each do business together. America of the time valued growth, manufacturing and keeping the worker in their place. The racism in the book is so casual that it is deeply shocking to a 21st century sensibility. The women in this book are either wives, children, bad girls or totally sexless. The atmosphere from this slice of society was America First in all things. Anyone interested in helping people on a lower financial rung was considered a radical. I loved this book.

[Monica · Rating 3 out of 5]

My 1ws961 edition was helpful with an afterward explaining this book is NOT a novel. I am glad I read the afterward half way through the book. Character sketch and description of life in early 1920's, but is just as pertinent today - people following the fad, fearful of being "voted off the island", fearful of being "cancelled." I liked the book after I realized there was no plot, but rather, a series of scenes. I enjoy plot driven books therefore the 3 star rating.

[Colm · Rating 1 out of 5]

Thought this would be a hilarious & cutting commentary on the the banality of the middle-class conformity & the related lack of fulfillment, maybe something of the same caliber as Aldous Huxley's Antic Hay, but this bored me far more than was necessary. Wish I'd put it down rather than crawl to the finish line.

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ok, got a little long winded

[Jkwilos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book about 45 years ago so it was interesting to re-read it. It is still relevant.

[Will Adam · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good consumerism novel.

[Allan · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book. It feels like reading a mid-life crisis and in that way, it captures a lot of the energy of the current era.