Customer Reviews

Arrowsmith, Elmer Gantry, Dodsworth (Library of America #133)

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I loved the constant satirical wit and subtle depictions of character in Babbitt and Main Street (something of a forerunner of Friedan's The Feminine Mystique). Arrowsmith retains some of Lewis' virtues but it is a bit disappointing. Unlike the afforementioned novels, it is not primarily a satire but rather a medical bildungsroman. Martin Arrowsmith's character is subtly explored and his shortcomings and strengths closely examined. Lewis has some cogent criticisms to make of the commercialization of the medical establishment and here his habitual satirical bent seems appropriate but it does not always work when he takes occasional potshots at his main character, Martin Arrowsmith. George Babbit was an essentially satirical character that deserved Lewis' constant satirical attacks but the portrayal of Martin Arrowsmith seems at times out of focus, as if Lewis was not always sure if he wanted to stick with satire or just do a straight portrayal. Another criticism I have of the book is that the medical details occasionally seemed superfluous and plot details at times repetitive and monotonous. I think he could have trimmed about a hundred pages off this book. Arrowsmith is still worth reading and Martin Arrowsmith is an endearing character whose life story unfolds with much subtlety and insight on the nature of love, friendship, work, the struggle to maintain integrity in a commercial world, and the desire to do something meaningful in life.

Three of Sinclair Lewis' classic novels and true works of enduring American literature (Arrowsmith, Elmer Gantry, Dodsworth) are combined under one cover in this scholarly Library of America edition. "Arrowsmith" is the story of an idealistic physician who finds greed and corruption at every turn; "Elmer Gantry" is a historically controversial account of a cynical and selfish preacher using his trade to amass wealth and power; and "Dodsworth" is the story of a decaying marriage between an American industrialist and his wife as they travel through Europe. Complementing the great works of 1920's literature are a thoughtful chronology, and a brief yet insightful selection of informative notes on the texts. Published with acid free paper, this volume of Sinclair Lewis' classic fiction is a welcome and very strongly recommended addition to academic and community library collections.

I liked this book. I found it readable and compelling. I am glad that I finally read this Sinclair Lewis book. I plan on reading Main Street next. Wonder why I never read any of his works before. He's worth a try, at least for Dodsworth. I am now reading Fitzgerald's Tender is the Night. It is interesting - two Minnesotans observe interwar Europe with very different results.