An American Tragedy

by Dreiser, Theodore
ISBN: 9780593313329
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Used - Trade Paperback - 9780593313329

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Overview

This landmark 1925 novel about a social climber who murders his pregnant lover is both a riveting crime story and a devastating commentary on the American dream. A VINTAGE CLASSIC.

Theodore Dreiser was inspired by a true story to write this novel about an ambitious, socially insecure young man who finds himself caught between two very different women--and two very different visions of what his life could be. Clyde Griffiths was born poor and is poorly educated, but his prospects begin to improve when he is offered a job by a wealthy uncle who owns a shirt factory. Soon he achieves a managerial position, and despite being warned to stay away from the women he manages, he becomes involved with Roberta, a poor factory worker who falls in love with him. At the same time, he catches the eye of Sondra, the glamorous socialite daughter of another factory owner, and begins neglecting his lover to court her. When Roberta confronts Clyde with her pregnancy, Clyde's hopes of marrying Sondra are threatened, and he conceives a desperate plan to preserve his dream.

  • Format: TradePaperback
  • Author: Dreiser, Theodore
  • ISBN: 9780593313329
  • Condition: Used
  • Dimensions: 7.90 x 1.60
  • Number Of Pages: 880
  • Publication Year: 2021
Language: English

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  • The most accurate title in literature.

    Elizabeth C. - 4 years 3 months ago

    While reading this book, I was constantly surprised. I was surprised that I was still reading it. With the most bland title possible, a lame cover, and pretty boring-sounding description, I figured I'd make it my requisite 75 pages then give up and read a comic book. But no! The plot just kept rocketing on, constantly engaging. It's a straight-up tragedy; the protagonist is headed straight to his downfall from the very beginning due to flaws of character. It's also straight-up America, from the by-yer-own-bootstraps view of economic progress to the mirage of success. The novel is based on a notorious criminal case from the early 1900s. And who doesn't love a little true crime?

    HPB Staff Review