Babbitt
by Sinclair Lewis
In this cynical portrait of a promising middle class in the thriving 1920s, Sinclair Lewis perfectly conveys the voice, feeling, and mood of the generation that created the cult of consumerism. With a keen eye on details and a keen observation, Lewis follows the daily struggles of successful real estate agent George Babbitt to rise to the top of his profession while maintaining his reputation as an outstanding family man. At first glance, Babbitt seems to be the epitome of the embodiment of conservative values and the enthusiasm of the middle class for the wealthy lifestyle of a small entrepreneur. But beneath the arrogant front, he also feels a rising, nameless dissatisfaction. These feelings eventually lead Babbitt on risky escapes that threaten his family and his position in society.
