It Can't Happen Here by Sinclair Lewis Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of It Can't Happen Here
Book Review: Why haven't liberals used this book yet?
Summary: 4 Stars
Sinclair Lewis is a genius in understanding the American public and the American mind. Yes, he is cynical and somewhat over the top, yet his poignant view about how politicians can manipulate non-thinking people and make them believe that they are part of the "club" (i.e. the ones in power are your intimate friends)and vote for them, even if it is against their daily life interests, still holds true today. One only needs to look at the last elections, where the same manipulations happened as Lewis described in his book in the 1930's. Even if the outcome this time around might be less drastic than those described in the novel, the parallels are amazing. One could read the book and think it was written a few months ago. Astonishing! The language is also delicious, like slow melting chocolate, to relish.Book Review: an overblown look at what can indeed happen here...
Summary: 3 Stars
"It Can't Happen Here" is an interesting yet totally overcooked fable about America in the 1930s when it gets overtaken by an ultra nationalistic dictator. Clearly Sinclair Lewis was making a statement about the times, and no doubt he was chastized for being so brazen and, perhaps, seemingly "un-American". So he deserves kudos for bravery. Unfortunately much of the book is unreadable, being nothing more than hysterical rants.
However one cannot help but wonder whether such anarchy come to America? Of course the answer is 'yes'. So on that note the book should be read. Or better still, I hope someone updates it, smoothes it out, and makes a film adaptation.
Bottom line: an important socio-political statement of 1930s America which is still valid in the 21st century. Too bad it's not well-written.
Book Review: fun to read, and it make me appreciate the status quo
Summary: 5 Stars
I read this book in high school and again last week. And after reading it over Thanksgiving break, I became more thankful for our admittedly imperfect democracy.
All too many people (including other reviewers of this book) describe any disturbing or annoying political developments as "fascism": liberals attacking the economic ineptitude and warmongering of the Bush Administration, conservatives attacking the "nanny state."
But Lewis shows that real fascism isn't democracy led by crazy idiots. Real fascism is dictatorship led by thugs.
In Lewis's fascist state, government critics (or even people whose property the local politicos covet) are sent to concentration camps, where they are routinely killed and tortured. The borders are guarded so Americans cannot easily escape (though a few manage to do so anyhow). There is no opposition media, no chance to escape to Canada. By contrast, our America, despite wars and economic problems, is still more or less a free country. And as long as people can (erroneously) call their politicians fascists without being flogged with steel rods, it will continue to be one.
Book Review: o.k. terrific
Summary: 4 Stars
it's absolutely happening here. the gangmembers will probably be the evildoers' new police forceBook Review: what happened to my review?
Summary: 5 Stars
where is my original review? where can I find the e-mail address to write to you about it without having to fill out another review? I know the address will come up once I submit this.
Thank you!