Author: Booth Tarkington
Genre: Fiction
About the book….
Written in 1918 by Booth Tarkington and winner of the Pulitzer Prize in 1919, The Magnificent Ambersons is a novel that approaches the changing atmosphere at the turn of the century. The Ambersons have always been a prominent family in their small town, but as the town continues to grow at a rapid rate this is proving to no longer be the case. George Amberson Minifer, however, is unable to accept this growth and with high expectations of maintaining the prestige his family has held for so long, he brings about a destruction to those close to him that is equally as damaging as the changing times.
What I think…
This book
had been on my reading list for a few years now and having come across mention
of it online several times and then the actual book recently, it seemed like it
was about time I read it. Now, having this one I’m more than ready to read Alice Adams and some of his others
because I really enjoyed this book!
It was excellently written,
entertaining, and filled with interesting reflections on industrialization. I
was able to get into very quickly and didn’t really want to put it down once I
started reading it.
When I think about industrialization, I don’t really
focus on the effect it had on societal standings as I do other areas, so I
liked being able to gain a better understanding of that aspect. In keeping with
that, I found the characters interesting in their own ways in relation to how
Tarkington addressed this issue. George Minifer’s disagreeable behavior, as
result of being spoiled rotten, really helps to develop the attitude of the
time and just how much society changed as the world progressed. I also felt
that his relationship with Lucy Morgan, the woman he falls in love with and a very
sensible character in comparison, really showed this change as well in the
manner of someone who was able to adapt to the changes.
My one disappointment
was that the last chapter seemed rushed, but while being so, it did wrap the story up in a
reasonable way.
To sum it all up…
A thoroughly enjoyable read
about the turn of the century, the changes that occurred, and how it affected
those living through it. I would highly recommend it for those looking for a
modern classic! ♥
Lovely review, dear Inky. One can't help but wonder in a way if it's possible that this book, which I haven't yet myself (but would certainly love to one day), influenced any of the Downton Abbey writers, who surely would have researched popular novels of the day to get a sense of how life was portrayed in fiction during the time frame of their series (at the start of it).
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
I started reading it last year and put it down. Boo! I'm happy to hear you liked it. After all he was a Hoosier writer! :)
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