The Jungle

De: Upton Sinclair

Narrado por: George Guidall

Few books have so affected radical social changes as The Jungle, first published serially in 1906. Exposing unsanitary conditions in the meat-packing industry in Chicago, Sinclair's novel gripped Americans by the stomach, contributing to the passage of the first Food and Drug Act. If you've never read this classic novel, don't be put off by its gruesome reputation. Upton Sinclair was a Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist who could turn even an exposé into a tender and moving novel.

Jurgis Rudkus, a Lithuanian immigrant, comes to America in search of a fortune for his family. He accepts the harsh realities of a working man's lot, laboring with naive vigor - until, his health and family sacrificed, he understands how the heavy wheels of the industrial machine can crush the strongest spirit.

Public Domain (P)1994 Recorded Books, LLC

Outstand

Despite being a sad/depressing story abt life for a poor immigrant family at the turn of the century, the book portrays what life was like for the mega wealthy and ultra poor. How massive corruption in politics and every aspect of life was killing our democratic system. Def worth reading, educational and entertaining in a sad way.

A story of our times

This was must reading in college Lit class which I plowed through. This reading was so different because it's history repeating it's self. The working conditions have reverted to doggie dog--no loyalty from employers, wages low for the common person, scams to take the money you have worked so hard to get, those getting ahead are those that have let go of their morals and life is painful so drugs and alcohol are used to dull the pain.

I was completely enthralled until the last 10%.

I loved the majority of this book as the story was great! The content was sad but only because you generally cared about the characters. I couldn't wait to listen each day to see what happened. I won't give any spoilers, I'll just say the whole thing turned with about 10% to go and it was like I was listening to a different book.

Hard to Get Invested in this One

What did you love best about The Jungle?

The best part of The Jungle was the narrator. I could listen to George Guidall read a dictionary. He is very good.

Would you be willing to try another book from Upton Sinclair? Why or why not?

Sinclair has an ability to write that I would never seek to disparage. I picked The Jungle because it is regarded as a classic and I wanted to expand my knowledge of the classics. I didn't get particularly involved in this story and had trouble finding interest in listening to it, but the writing was well done, masterful even. I would give Sinclair another try, but I think I would be a bit choosier next time around.

Which character – as performed by George Guidall – was your favorite?

George Guidall's narration was fantastic, but I can't say that I had any favorites from this story. I would say that I did not particularly like any of the characters.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I struggled to find time to listen to this one. It did not compel me in that way.

Any additional comments?

Lots of soapboxing in this one. Seems that in the early 1900s life was terrible for most and not great for the rest. Makes me thankful for the life I have.

A Must Read, but Only if You Must Read it

Dreary. A monumental and significant book, but not an interesting listen. Listening to it is a bit like watching a cheap murder mystery for the third time, you know who did it and the plot moves ever so slowly to the end -- even slower once your popcorn is eaten. The repeated misfortunes that happen to the main character go from tragic to laughable. After a while, the only interest I had in the book was to experience what great tragedy would now befall the character. Yes it is an important piece of writing, but so too was the Warren commission's report -- it just wasn't engaging listening.