Nineteen Nineteen by John Dos Passos

Nineteen Nineteen is the second installment in John Dos Passos' U.S.A. trilogy, offering a sweeping panorama of American life in the 1920s. The novel follows a diverse cast of characters, capturing the spirit of the era through their interconnected stories. Dos Passos employs a unique narrative style, blending traditional storytelling with experimental techniques to create a vivid and immersive portrait of a nation in transition. /n/n This book is a testament to Dos Passos' skill as a writer, showcasing his ability to weave together historical events and personal narratives. The novel's exploration of themes such as war, love, and the American Dream makes it a compelling read for anyone interested in the cultural and social landscape of the early 20th century.

Reviews

Buckeye Muse · 2017-10-19

disillusioned 4.25

The book offers a vast canvas and a range of characters, evoking a powerful sense of place and time. It is a disillusioned epic that captures the spirit of its era.

The reviewer at Buckeye Muse praises 'Nineteen Nineteen' for its vast canvas and range of characters, which together evoke a powerful sense of place and time. They describe the novel as a disillusioned epic that captures the spirit of its era with remarkable depth and nuance. The book's ability to weave together historical events and personal stories is particularly noteworthy. The reviewer appreciates the novel's ambitious scope and its ability to transport the reader to a pivotal moment in American history.

Quick quotes

One of the pleasures of reading his disillusioned epic trilogy is not only its vast canvas, its range of characters, and its evocation of place and time.

It captures the spirit of its era with remarkable depth and nuance.

The book's ability to weave together historical events and personal stories is particularly noteworthy.

At the BookShelf · 2014-10-28

captivating 4.00

The book is a curious mix of literary devices that were experimental when first published. It provides a captivating exploration of American history and society.

The reviewer notes that 'Nineteen Nineteen' is a curious mix of literary devices, some of which were quite experimental at the time of its publication. They appreciate how the book captures the essence of America during the early 20th century, offering a captivating exploration of the era's social and political landscape. The novel's unique style and ambitious scope make it a compelling read. The reviewer highlights the book's ability to weave together historical events and personal narratives, creating a rich and immersive experience for the reader.

Quick quotes

A curious mix of literary devices, some of which were fairly experimental when the book first appeared.

It provides a captivating exploration of American history and society.

The novel's unique style and ambitious scope make it a compelling read.

The Guardian · Robert McCrum · 2014-10-27

revolutionary 4.50

The book is revolutionary in its intent, techniques, and lasting impact. It offers a unique and powerful portrayal of America during a pivotal time.

Robert McCrum highlights the innovative techniques and lasting impact of 'Nineteen Nineteen'. He praises the book's revolutionary intent and its powerful portrayal of America during a transformative period. The novel's experimental style, including stream-of-consciousness sections, adds depth and richness to the narrative. McCrum appreciates how Dos Passos weaves together historical events and personal stories to create a vivid and compelling picture of the era. The book's ambitious scope and artistic achievements make it a standout work in the USA trilogy.

Quick quotes

The middle volume of John Dos Passos's USA trilogy is revolutionary in its intent, techniques and lasting impact.

It offers a unique and powerful portrayal of America during a pivotal time.

The novel's experimental style adds depth and richness to the narrative.

Appears in Lists

The 100 Best Novels Written in English