Sinclair Lewis 
Arrowsmith 
Pulitzer Prize Novel

Sinclair Lewis’s ‘Arrowsmith’ is a captivating novel that explores the life and career of a young idealistic medical researcher who faces ethical dilemmas and professional challenges. Set in the early 20th century, the narrative is driven by the protagonist’s ambition to make significant contributions to the field of science while balancing personal relationships and societal expectations. The book is characterized by its realistic portrayal of the struggles faced by individuals in pursuit of their professional goals, making it a compelling read for those interested in themes of ambition, integrity, and the complexities of the human experience. Lewis’s straightforward yet engaging writing style enhances the reader’s immersion in the story, providing a unique perspective on the inner workings of the medical community of the time. ‘Arrowsmith’ stands out as a thought-provoking exploration of the tension between personal ideals and external pressures, making it a must-read for fans of literary fiction and historical narratives.

Circa l’autore

Sinclair Lewis (1885-1951) was an American novelist, short-story writer, and playwright. Born on February 7, 1885, in Sauk Centre, Minnesota, Lewis began his literary career with a series of minor works before achieving significant acclaim with ‘Main Street’ in 1920. Known for his incisive social criticism, Lewis dissected the hypocrisies and shortcomings of American middle-class life, employing sharp satire and realism. In ‘Arrowsmith’ (1925), Lewis explored the life and career of a young, idealistic doctor navigating the ethical complexities of the medical field and the corruption of institutional science. This novel, which was awarded the Pulitzer Prize, though Lewis declined it, is often regarded as one of his finest, illustrating both the promise and shortfalls of the American Dream through its protagonist, Martin Arrowsmith. Lewis continued to expound upon societal issues in subsequent works such as ‘Babbitt’ (1922), ‘Elmer Gantry’ (1927), and ‘Dodsworth’ (1929), which further solidified his status as a formidable voice in American literature. In 1930, Lewis became the first American to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, recognized ‘for his vigorous and graphic art of description and his ability to create, with wit and humor, new types of characters.’ His literary style combined a robust narrative with penetrating social observation, earning him a place among the early 20th century’s most distinguished authors.