Between Two Worlds

By: Upton Sinclair

Narrated by: Bronson Pinchot

The second in the Pulitzer Prize–winning historical fiction series takes Lanny Budd through the 1920s, from the rise of fascism to the crash on Wall Street.

The First World War brought an abrupt end to Lanny Budd’s idyllic youth. Now, in the wake of the Treaty of Versailles, he barely recognizes the beloved Europe of his boyhood.

At the start of his career as an international art dealer, Lanny travels to Italy and witnesses the brutal charisma of Fascist leader Benito Mussolini. Meanwhile, in Germany, the failed Beer Hall Putsch led by Adolf Hitler’s Nazi Party strikes an ominous note foreshadowing the devastation to come. After two star-crossed love affairs, Lanny marries a wealthy heiress and chooses the United States with its booming economy as their home. But neither he nor those he loves can predict the financial disaster that will bring a decade of prosperity to an abrupt close.

Between Two Worlds brings one of the most fascinating and tumultuous decades of the twentieth century to thrilling life. A spellbinding mix of history, adventure, and romance, the Lanny Budd Novels are a testament to the breathtaking scope of Upton Sinclair’s vision and his singular talents as a storyteller.

©1941 , 1968 by Upton Sinclair (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Critic reviews

“Few works of fiction are more fun to read; fewer still make history half as clear, or as human.”

(Time, praise for the series)

“These historical novels engulfed me in the thrilling and terrible imperatives of history…Sinclair’s historical acumen and his calculations about powerful institutions—government, press, corporations, oil cartels and lobbyists—remain remarkably shrewd and often prescient.”

(New York Times, praise for the series)

The narration is magnificent

I have read the Lanny Budd books many times but Bronson Pinchot 's narration brings the story to life in phenomenal fashion.

Engaging Novel, Excellent Narration

Book 2 of the Lanny Budd Novels kicks off quickly where Book 1 left off. I enjoyed Book 2 more than the first, as it's faster paced and more intriguing than the first book.

The Gold Standard of Audiobooks

(Start with book 1, World’s End) The series is nothing short of a literary triumph—rich characters, thought-provoking philosophies, gripping history, heart-pounding suspense, explosive action, and deep passion, all flawlessly woven together.
And Bronson Pinchot? His narration doesn’t just bring the story to life—it becomes the story. Absolute perfection. Bravo!

Upton Sinclair lived this history

An incredible and fascinating Chunk Of American and world history Told through the eyes of the young man of the time.

A great performance of Sinclair's swan song

I always felt there hadn't been much joy in Sinclair's writing, and it took his second book in this series and a wonderful narration to see his humor. It's much subtler than any humor we have today, like tapping on the fourth wall and telling you how the desert tastes on the other side. Whether the cake's a lie is left up to your judgement, but to ditch the metaphor I'll never think of the 1920s the same way again.