Babbitt by Sinclair Lewis

Apparently, history does indeed repeat itself since Sinclair Lewis’ words written just over 100 years ago are hauntingly familiar with the rhetoric being spewed today.

Set in a fictional Midwestern city in the 1920’s, the novel follows the Babbitt family patriarch, George as he stumbles, fumbles and bumbles his way through a midlife crisis that has him questioning his mundane life and the expectations of his peers.

George F. Babbitt earns his living in real estate but becomes disillusioned with his job, his family and his station in life. His acts of rebellion are short-lived once he becomes cast as an outsider and decides his non conformist ways need to end.

George’s daughter, Verona Babbitt is the only authentic resident in the family’s home town of Zenith. She is a true rebel who speaks her mind and questions societal norms. Because of her outspokenness, she is mostly ignored.

George’s best friend is Paul Riesling, an unlikely pair as Paul is seen by many as an unconventional man. His unspoken rage finally erupts when he shoots his nagging wife. This opens George’s eyes to his own inner turmoil.

Quotes:

“Thank the lord, we’re putting a limit on immigration. These Dagoes and Hunkies have got to learn that this is a white man’s country, and they ain’t wanted here. When we’ve assimilated the foreigners we got here now and learned ’em the principles of Americanism and turned ’em into regular folks, why then maybe we’ll let in a few more.”

He was gray and thin and unimportant. He had always been gray and thin and unimportant. He was the person whom, in any group, you forgot to introduce, then introduced with extra enthusiasm.

“And what’s the matter with the immigrants? Gosh, they aren’t all ignorant, and I got a hunch we’re all descended from immigrants ourselves.”

All of them agreed that the working classes must be kept in their place; and all of them perceived that American Democracy did not imply any equality of wealth, but did demand a wholesome sameness of thought, dress, painting, morals, and vocabulary.

I’d love to hear Mr. Lewis’ take on today’s current political climate. I’m sure he’d have much to say and might even chuckle a bit at how things have not changed much at all.

My rating for Babbitt is a 7 out of 10.

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Next up…Nevil Shute’s ’ A Town Like Alice…

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