The Magnificent Ambersons, Booth Tarkinton's 1919 Pulitzer Prize winner, is one of those books that I enjoyed more than I thought I would. I was afraid it was going to be heavy and dull, and it certainly wasn't. Still, it was not a favorite of mine.
It moved right along through the story of the demise of the once-prominent Amberson family and the growth of their Midwestern town into an industrial city. However, it moved along at such a clip, and with so little thematic subtlety, that it seemed like a book for young adults.
I'm not saying that Tarkington should have handled his themes with the heavy hand of Henry James, but a little of Edith Wharton's nuance or F. Scott Fitzgerald's precision would have added depth to the tale.
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sounds like a quick, pleasant read, but not one that sticks around in "reading memories." I'll still look forward to reading it. Thanks for the review.
ReplyDeleteYes, it didn't do much for me. All I can say is that it didn't bore me. If it hadn't been on the Modern Library Top 100 list and the Pulitzer winner list, I probably would not have bothered.
ReplyDeleteI think Main Street and Babbit by Sinclair Lewis addressed the same themes but have more staying power.