THE BOOK FAIR

Review:

Theodore Dreiser was born in Terra Haute, Indiana, in 1871.  The author of short stories and novels, including, “Sister Carrie”, Dreiser wrote of social change and was nominated for the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1930.  “An American Tragedy”, offers the tragic tale of a young man, the decisions he makes, and the consequences he faces.  The novel was later adapted to film under the name, “A Place in the Sun.”  Theodore Dreiser died in LA, CA, in 1945.

 

Clyde Griffiths, a young man, leaves his small, hometown in Kansas for Kansas City and endeavors to build a life for himself.  Griffiths involves himself with reckless individuals and after a particular incident, Griffith chooses to flee to Chicago to avoid consequences.

After securing a job in Chicago, and meeting a lovely, young woman, life goes well for Griffith until he meets another woman he believes can better secure his future.

Through the series of unfortunate incidents, Griffith proves to be, though not inherently evil, inherently selfish.  And though Griffith’s conscience needles him, it is not enough to save him.

 

Dreiser wrote that some people carry a soul that does not mature and they are never afforded the wisdom to understand right from wrong or good from evil.