Dodsworth

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In Sinclair Lewis’ Dodsworth, Samuel Dodsworth’s life has experienced an incredible upheaval:  his retirement.  

Without his work to dominate his life, he’s lost.  As he struggles to fill the sudden big empty, he begins to question many of the fundamental aspects of his life.  On an extended European holiday, Dodsworth begins to question his relationship with his wife Fran and the traditional American approach to a lifestyle that focuses on work.

His gradual and often painful evolution is a captivating journey.  Lewis enriches the narrative with numerous side conversations Dodsworth has with himself as he observes his wife and European society.  They not only provide insight into Dodsworth, but often, they are downright funny. 

As with most of his novels, Lewis’ conclusion isn’t neat and tidy.  Issues remain that leave the reader wondering if they will ever be resolved.  Even so, the loose ends enhance the reader’s satisfaction with the ending—deepening its impact and emotional authenticity.

Lewis was a master at drawing the reader into his characters and their problems.  With his vivid descriptions, you visualize their surroundings and environments almost to the point of being a part of the scene as events occur.  In Dodsworth, he was at his best as he takes you to shipboard parties, elegant hotel suites, and quaint sidewalk cafes.

Many authors have one novel that is almost guaranteed to hook the reader into a desire to explore their other works.  For Sinclair Lewis, it may well be Dodsworth.

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Quotes

“He reflected that Fran had an unsurpassed show-window display but not much on the shelves inside.”

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