Discover books similar to "Dodsworth"

Dodsworth cover

Sinclair Lewis

Dodsworth

3.98

"Dodsworth" by Sinclair Lewis is a powerful exploration of American identity, marriage, and the pursuit of happiness. The novel, published in 1929, tells the story of Samuel Dodsworth, a successful automobile manufacturer who retires early to travel Europe with his wife, Fran. The novel begins in Zenith, a midwestern city that represents the epitome of American industrialism and materialism. Samuel, or "Sam" as he is affectionately known, is a self-made man who has achieved the American Dream. However, his wife, Fran, is dissatisfied with their comfortable life and yearns for the sophistication and culture of Europe. As the Dodsworths embark on their journey, they encounter a variety of characters who embody different aspects of European society. Fran is drawn to the aristocracy and high society, while Sam is more interested in the common people and their way of life. The couple's differing perspectives on Europe lead to tension and conflict in their marriage, and ultimately, Fran's infidelity. Lewis's vivid descriptions of Europe and its people are both enchanting and insightful. He exposes the flaws and hypocrisies of both American and European societies, challenging the notion of the American Dream and the idea that material success leads to happiness. At its core, "Dodsworth" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, examining the complexities of marriage, the search for meaning and purpose, and the inevitable passage of time. Sam's journey of self-discovery and personal growth is both heartbreaking and inspiring, as he learns to let go of the past and embrace the present. "Dodsworth" is a timeless classic that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of identity, marriage, and the pursuit of happiness are as relevant now as they were when the novel was first published. Lewis's masterful storytelling and keen observations of human nature make "Dodsworth" a must-read for anyone interested in American literature or the human condition...

List of books similar to "Dodsworth":

Babbitt cover

Sinclair Lewis

Babbitt

Another great choice for fans of 'Dodsworth' is 'Babbitt' by Sinclair Lewis. Published in 1922, this novel follows the life of George F. Babbitt, a middle-aged real estate agent in the fictional city of Zenith, who becomes disillusioned with his life and the materialistic values of his community. The novel explores themes of conformity, materialism, and the search for meaning, much like 'Dodsworth'.

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Main Street cover

Sinclair Lewis

Main Street

If you enjoyed 'Dodsworth', you may like 'Main Street' by the same author. Published in 1920, this novel explores the life of Carol Kennicott, a young woman from a small town in Minnesota who marries a doctor and moves to a small, narrow-minded town called Gopher Prairie. The novel delves into the themes of disillusionment, small-town life, and the struggle for individuality, much like 'Dodsworth'. However, in 'Main Street', the focus is on a woman's perspective.

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The Great Gatsby cover

F. Scott Fitzgerald

The Great Gatsby

If you're looking for a classic novel that explores the themes of disillusionment and the American Dream, you may enjoy 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Published in 1925, this novel follows the life of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy and mysterious man who throws extravagant parties in the hopes of winning back the love of his life, Daisy Buchanan. The novel delves into the themes of wealth, love, and the corrupting influence of power, much like 'Dodsworth'.

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Arrowsmith cover

Sinclair Lewis

Arrowsmith

For fans of 'Dodsworth' who are interested in exploring the themes of ambition and the pursuit of excellence, 'Arrowsmith' by Sinclair Lewis is a great choice. Published in 1925, this novel follows the life of Martin Arrowsmith, a young doctor who is determined to make a difference in the world of medicine. The novel explores the themes of ambition, idealism, and the corrupting influence of power, much like 'Dodsworth'.

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The Sun Also Rises cover

Ernest Hemingway

The Sun Also Rises

For fans of 'Dodsworth' who are interested in exploring the themes of disillusionment and the Lost Generation, 'The Sun Also Rises' by Ernest Hemingway is a great choice. Published in 1926, this novel follows the life of Jake Barnes, a World War I veteran who is struggling to come to terms with his injuries and the meaninglessness of life. The novel explores the themes of disillusionment, love, and the search for meaning, much like 'Dodsworth'.

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A Farewell To Arms cover

Ernest Hemingway

A Farewell To Arms

If you're interested in exploring the themes of love and war, you may enjoy 'A Farewell to Arms' by Ernest Hemingway. Published in 1929, this novel follows the life of Frederic Henry, an American ambulance driver in the Italian army during World War I, who falls in love with Catherine Barkley, a British nurse. The novel explores the themes of love, war, and the human condition, much like 'Dodsworth'.

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The Age of Innocence cover

Edith Wharton

The Age of Innocence

If you're interested in exploring the themes of social conventions and the struggle for individuality, you may enjoy 'The Age of Innocence' by Edith Wharton. Published in 1920, this novel follows the life of Newland Archer, a wealthy lawyer who is engaged to May Welland, a young woman from a prominent family. However, when he meets May's cousin, the unconventional Countess Ellen Olenska, he begins to question his engagement and the social conventions that govern his life. The novel explores the themes of social conventions, individuality, and the human condition, much like 'Dodsworth'.

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Washington Square cover

Henry James

Washington Square

For fans of 'Dodsworth' who are interested in exploring the themes of social class and the struggle for individuality, 'Washington Square' by Henry James is a great choice. Published in 1880, this novel follows the life of Catherine Sloper, a young woman who is caught between her father's expectations and her own desires. The novel explores the themes of social class, individuality, and the human condition, much like 'Dodsworth'.

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The House of Mirth cover

Edith Wharton

The House of Mirth

If you're interested in exploring the themes of social class and the struggle for individuality, you may enjoy 'The House of Mirth' by Edith Wharton. Published in 1905, this novel follows the life of Lily Bart, a young woman who is struggling to maintain her social status in New York society. The novel explores the themes of social class, individuality, and the human condition, much like 'Dodsworth'.

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