Upton Sinclair's first major novel, Manassas, details the end of the antebellum period before delving into battle horrors at the beginning of the Civil War. Why is this relevant? That book's protagonist was Allan Montague. In 1907, following on the heels of his monumentally successful "The Jungle", Sinclair wrote an indictment of a Whartonian high-society in "The Metropolis", and it starred... a character named Allan Montague - a man who appears to be an idealized cipher for Sinclair himself. This book, "The Moneychangers" is the direct sequel to "The Metropolis", much in the same vein though with more of a focus on finance than society.
So what about the book? Well, it's a really good book. The prose is really quite precise and assured, with some excellent phrases turned here and there. It flows rapidly from plot point to plot point, and even when it descends into lengthy descriptions of the ornate surroundings and opulent Newport mansions it never becomes boring. Contrary to what Chris Bachelder's hilarious "U.S.!" would indicate, Sinclair's writing was not consistently wooden, but generally lively and erudite. And the lack of style and plot-arc that plagued the last third of The Jungle is nowhere to be found.
What is most striking is how much in the way of financial strategy Sinclair works into the novel, and how the shell game of overleveraged assets played in 1907 was nearly identical to the shell game of overleveraged assets played in 2008. Sinclair is highly literate about economics, largely because of his strenuous immersion into Socialism, and he brings to life the complicated and inscrutable economic power plays (read: frauds) that are invisible to the public and most investors. Montague is a good "center mass" for the story because he has a conscience, but nonetheless must peel away the fact-onion underlying the economic tragedy at the same pace as the reader.
I don't want to give away too much of the story, but know that it is generally tragic and dour, but there are far more moments of lively characterization and humor than in The Jungle or The Overman, and the book is written in a more mature style than King Coal. In fact, it's my favorite Public Domain (pre-1923) Sinclair novel thus far (and I've now read seven), and probably one of my favorite books, period.
Highly recommended.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.
Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.
Customers who bought this item also bought
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
About the author
Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Top reviews from other countries
Thomas McAndrew
Easy reading although the background subject is far from simple ...
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on March 26, 2017
