Sister Carrie

by Theodore Dreiser
Sister Carrie cover
Good Books rating 3.93
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 10441
  • Added: 2026-01-25
  • Updated: 2026-02-03
  • ISBN: 9781541399976
  • Published: 2017-01-05
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3

Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser is a seminal work of American literature that delves into the life of Caroline 'Sister Carrie' Meeber, an 18-year-old from rural Wisconsin who moves to Chicago in pursuit of a better life. The novel explores her relationships with men who she perceives as superior, her rise to fame as an actress, and the complexities of her American Dream. /n/n Published in 1900, Sister Carrie is celebrated for its realistic portrayal of urban life and its critique of societal norms. The novel has been praised for its unflinching look at the struggles and triumphs of a young woman in a male-dominated world, making it a timeless classic in the realm of literary fiction.

Reviews
The Guardian · 2014-05-05
gripping 3.80

Dreiser's unflinching novel about a country girl's American dream has a terrific momentum, despite his lack of stylistic flair. The story is a gripping exploration of ambition and morality.

The reviewer from The Guardian acknowledges that Theodore Dreiser may not be a stylist, but his novel 'Sister Carrie' more than makes up for it with its relentless momentum. The story of a young woman's pursuit of the American dream is both unflinching and gripping, offering a stark look at the era's societal norms and the price of ambition. The reviewer appreciates the novel's raw and honest portrayal of its characters and their struggles, making it a compelling read despite Dreiser's lack of stylistic polish.

Quick quotes

    Theodore Dreiser was no stylist, but there's a terrific momentum to his unflinching novel

    about a country girl's American dream

    The story is a gripping exploration of ambition and morality

Roof Beam Reader · 2012-09-02
impactful 4.00

The plot is interesting, believable, and impactful, making it a compelling read. The novel's exploration of themes like love, innocence, and morality is both excellent and grim.

The reviewer at Roof Beam Reader praises 'Sister Carrie' for its engaging and believable plot, which is both interesting and impactful. The novel's exploration of themes such as love, innocence, and morality is noted as excellent, though somewhat grim. The reviewer appreciates the novel's unflinching look at the American dream and the moral compromises that often accompany it. The story's powerful and thought-provoking nature makes it a standout in the naturalist movement, despite its grim undertones.

Quick quotes

    Sister Carrie by Theodore Dreiser Final Verdict: 3.75 out of 4.0

    Plot/Story: 4 – Plot/Story is interesting/believable and impactful

    An excellent, but grim story about love, innocence, morality and fidelity

Compulsive Reader · 2011-02-03
compelling 4.00

The book is a compelling tale that Dreiser clearly felt was important to tell, even if the writing process was challenging. The story's depth and significance shine through the narrative.

The reviewer highlights that Theodore Dreiser's 'Sister Carrie' is a story that the author felt deeply about, and this passion is evident in the writing. The tale of a country girl's rise and fall is both powerful and impactful, making it a tale worth telling. The reviewer appreciates the raw and unfiltered portrayal of the American dream, which Dreiser presents with a sense of urgency and importance. The narrative, though not always easy to write, is a testament to Dreiser's commitment to the story and his ability to convey its significance to the reader.

Quick quotes

    Dreiser makes me feel, in no uncertain terms, that this is a tale worth telling

    even though the writing of it might not come easily to him

    The story's depth and significance shine through the narrative

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