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Title: Arrowsmith by Sinclair Lewis, E. L. Doctorow ISBN: 0-451-52691-0 Publisher: Signet Pub. Date: June, 1998 Format: Mass Market Paperback Volumes: 1 List Price(USD): $6.95 |
Average Customer Rating: 4.32 (22 reviews)
Rating: 5
Summary: A Masterpiece of Medical Literature - Idealism at Risk
Comment: Author Sinclair Lewis had some exposure to the medical profession early in his life through his father, who was a country doctor. Yet, even with some personal exposure, it's amazing how much of the idealism and cynicism, evident in modern physician practice, Lewis portrays in his 1926 pulitizer prize winning book, "Arrowsmith". Martin Arrowsmith, M.D. is a fictional idealist who is a human being before all else, but trying to bring science to the practice of Medicine. Actually, the story seems almost autobiographical due to the personal intensity and human fraility of the complex main character. As a registered nurse, reading Arrowsmith brings flashbacks of the past, like the cliches "deja vu all over again", or worse, "the more things change, the more they stay the same". Medicine for financial- profit, patient care challenges, personality conflicts, political shenanigans, professional competition, and overutilization of medical technology are some of the common problems Arrowsmith faces as he pursues a career in medicine after barely struggling through the politics of medical school in the mythical town of Wheatsylvania, Midwest, USA, in the early 20th century. This is not another novel about how physicians affect people's lives, but a masterpiece about the nuances of the medical profession as mysterious and suspect,of physicians who are heros and villans. Most surprising are the humerous vignettes sprinkled throughout the plot like bits and pieces of old Jack Benny radio show skits. When Martin Arrowsmith must decide if he is to fulfill his promise to marry Madeline Fox or betray her for his soul mate Leora Tozer, the genious writer Lewis creates such humor in the ensuing restaurant scene, that should be frought with melodrama, but, instead, is absolutely delightful reading. Similar humor engulfs the life portrayed of Arrowsmith's employer, Pickerbaugh, and his fleet of daughters named after flowers, like the saucy Orchid. Arrowsmith is simply a joy to read, especially for people who have a flair for some classic literature without getting too deep into concentrated philosophic thought. Simply put, Arrowsmith today, were he to practice in modern medicine, would probably be no better or worse off than he was in 1908 through circa 1920, when the novel takes place. Arrowsmith is a classic American novel and an entertaining story.
Rating: 5
Summary: Three of Sinclair Lewis' classic novels
Comment: Three of Sinclair Lewis' classic novels and true works of enduring American literature (Arrowsmith, Elmer Gantry, Dodsworth) are combined under one cover in this scholarly Library of America edition. "Arrowsmith" is the story of an idealistic physician who finds greed and corruption at every turn; "Elmer Gantry" is a historically controversial account of a cynical and selfish preacher using his trade to amass wealth and power; and "Dodsworth" is the story of a decaying marriage between an American industrialist and his wife as they travel through Europe. Complementing the great works of 1920's literature are a thoughtful chronology, and a brief yet insightful selection of informative notes on the texts. Published with acid free paper, this volume of Sinclair Lewis' classic fiction is a welcome and very strongly recommended addition to academic and community library collections.
Rating: 3
Summary: A Partially Disappointing Classic
Comment: I loved the constant satirical wit and subtle depictions of character in Babbitt and Main Street (something of a forerunner of Friedan's The Feminine Mystique). Arrowsmith retains some of Lewis' virtues but it is a bit disappointing. Unlike the afforementioned novels, it is not primarily a satire but rather a medical bildungsroman. Martin Arrowsmith's character is subtly explored and his shortcomings and strengths closely examined. Lewis has some cogent criticisms to make of the commercialization of the medical establishment and here his habitual satirical bent seems appropriate but it does not always work when he takes occasional potshots at his main character, Martin Arrowsmith. George Babbit was an essentially satirical character that deserved Lewis' constant satirical attacks but the portrayal of Martin Arrowsmith seems at times out of focus, as if Lewis was not always sure if he wanted to stick with satire or just do a straight portrayal. Another criticism I have of the book is that the medical details occasionally seemed superfluous and plot details at times repetitive and monotonous. I think he could have trimmed about a hundred pages off this book. Arrowsmith is still worth reading and Martin Arrowsmith is an endearing character whose life story unfolds with much subtlety and insight on the nature of love, friendship, work, the struggle to maintain integrity in a commercial world, and the desire to do something meaningful in life.
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Title: Main Street by Sinclair Lewis, Thomas Mallon ISBN: 0451526821 Publisher: Signet Pub. Date: June, 1998 List Price(USD): $5.95 |
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Title: Elmer Gantry by Sinclair Lewis ISBN: 0451522516 Publisher: Penguin USA (Paper) Pub. Date: February, 1978 List Price(USD): $7.95 |
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Title: An American Tragedy by Theodore Dreiser, Richard Lingeman ISBN: 0451527704 Publisher: Signet Pub. Date: 08 August, 2000 List Price(USD): $9.95 |
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Title: Babbit by Sinclair Lewis ISBN: 0553214861 Publisher: Bantam Pub. Date: 01 September, 1998 List Price(USD): $5.95 |
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Title: The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington ISBN: 0375752501 Publisher: Modern Library Pub. Date: 14 September, 1998 List Price(USD): $12.95 |
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