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Babbitt

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About this listen

On the surface, everything is all right with Babbitt’s world of the solid, successful businessman. But in reality, George F. Babbitt is a lonely, middle-aged man. He doesn’t understand his family, has an unsuccessful attempt at an affair, and is almost financially ruined when he dares to voice sympathy for some striking workers. Babbitt finds that his only safety lies deep in the fold of those who play it safe. He is a man who has added a new word to our language: a “Babbitt,” meaning someone who conforms unthinkingly, a sheep.

Public Domain (P)2011 Blackstone Audio, Inc. Classics

Critic reviews

“[It is] by its hardness, its efficiency, its compactness that Mr. Lewis’ work excels.” (Virginia Woolf)
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This 'included' reading is a thousand times better than one I purchased (I wasn't permitted to review that one because I didn't listen to enough of it - I couldn't bear to). I had much better luck with this one - Grover Gardner is a first-rate reader. The novel dates from the 1920s; I first read it in the 1970s and found it interesting but it seems more relevant now, with the rise of cheap reality TV and online influencers, than it did then. The well-meaning but ignorant and deluded hero is a fascinating character. You could shake him but you also feel pity for him. He does finally gain some wisdom, shown in his treatment of his son at the novel's end. As a study of consumerism and conformity the novel is highly entertaining but carries a serious warning about throwing away our lives on mediocrity and trash because 'everyone's doing it'. I'm going to look for more Sinclair Lewis now.

Excellent performance of classic novel

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Captures the era perfectly, unfortunately including the casual bigotry of the times. Babbitt is an interesting go getter with conservative values. Story emphasises the social & family dynamics of his world.

Vivid portrayal of early 1920s America

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