The Prodigal Parents

by Sinclair Lewis

An all-American couple, Mr. and Mrs. Cornplow, rebel against the selfish actions of their college-aged son and daughter.

Genres: Fiction, Classics

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1938

About the author

Novelist Harry Sinclair Lewis satirized middle-class America in his 22 works, including Babbitt (1922) and Elmer Gantry (1927) and first received a Nobel Prize for literature in 1930.

Middle-class values and materialism attach unthinking George F. Babbitt, the narrow-minded, self-satisfied main character person in the novel of Sinclair Lewis.

People awarded "his vigorous and graphic art of description and his ability to create, with wit and humor, new types of characters."

He knowingly, insightfully, and critically viewed capitalism and materialism between the wars. People respect his strong characterizations of modern women.

Henry Louis Mencken wrote, "[If] there was ever a novelist among us with an authentic call to the trade...it is this red-haired tornado from the Minnesota wilds."

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinclai...

Reviews

[Shane Ver Meer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much more whimsical compared to Elmer Gantry (only relevant being the previous book I read), I enjoyed this one immensely. I was invested in the perspective of the patriarchal figure of the novel, due to bias in some amount surely, but also due to his development throughout the work. Good book.

[Old Man JP · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great satire of a well-to-do family with a couple of spoiled kids. Since this was written in the 1930's and reflects the attitudes of that period the conflict between generations is told by the kids ideological sympathy with communism and their resentment of their parents capitalism, the same capitalism that pays for their luxurious lifestyle. It is told in Lewis' unique writing style and dialog which makes for an enjoyable read.

[Murray · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was so excited when I found this original hardback copy, from 1938, in a used book store. I have read most of Lewis's books, so this one unexpectedly completed my collection.

I give this a 3+ star, actually. It's not a bad book, but it doesn't have the impact or striking themes found in his other books. Racism, fascism and abuse of religion take a back seat here to a jovial businessman with two knucklehead adult children. Although one of them is a communist, the book has a much lighter tone than "It Can't Happen Here", "Kingsblood Royal", "Elmer Gantry" and "Arrowsmith". It's more like "Free Air" or even "Dodsworth", but without the intensity of purpose. That said, it does have great dialogue and some interesting scenes. Hardcore Lewis fans will like it, but not as much as his greatest works.

[Eric Mccoy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sinclair Lewis does his thing. Artfully mocks the hypocrisy he sees everywhere. I'm pretty sure I would enjoy reading Sinclair Lewis writing a tip on a receipt so I did enjoy this book. However this work seems to be one of his attempts to be commercial, despite subversive dialogue the story ultimately follows a pretty socially acceptable narrative.

[Sean11 · Rating 2 out of 5]

After the brilliance of "It Can't Happen Here," it's hard to imagine this is all Lewis could muster three years later. A few funny moments, but overall no new ideas - and pretty caricatured politics for the crisis of 1938. Overall a disappointment.

[Arthur Pierce · Rating 3 out of 5]

A "minor" Sinclair Lewis novel, I suppose, but pleasant. It rambles like anything, but the main characters are interesting and/or sympathetic, and it has the philosophy and wit that one looks for in this author's works.

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. It was right up there with my other Sinclair Lewis faves, "Babbitt" and "Dodsworth."
I found myself really identifying with Fred Cornplow, the patriarch.

[Linda · Rating 1 out of 5]

Used to think I'd like Sinclair Lewis, but this is just plain junk to me.

[Melinda Millard · Rating 3 out of 5]

Sweet old fashioned read.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book! Talk about a sleeper. I had read a couple of Sinclair Lewis' more famous books years ago and had no plans to read him again. Byron bought the book in a used book store many years ago and it moved with us every time we moved. Last year, Byron read it and said it was great and very funny. Written in 1938 the language is dated. However the themes are universal.

[Marcelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was my first book by Sinclair Lewis. I was surprised by how readable and humorous it was. The dialog is a bit dated, but the subject matter was very relevant. Funny we think society has progressed, yet human nature hasn't changed.

[John Marr · Rating 2 out of 5]

An obviously running-out-of-steam cut&paste job.

[Jonottawa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this at the cottage this summer. As the 'prodigal son' of my family I quite liked it. I think its grade thus far is way too harsh so I'll give it a 5.

[christopher · Rating 4 out of 5]

found it at a used book store and loved it. this quote from the end summed it all up.. "it seems to me now that it isn't going where you want to that is freedom, but knowing that you can go".

[Stephanie Haynes · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not Sinclair Lewis's best work, but pretty enjoyable nonetheless.