Set in the 1920s, Sherwood Anderson's Dark Laughter follows John Stockton, who, disillusioned with his marriage and life as a reporter in Chicago, reinvents himself as Bruce Dudley in a small Indiana town. Engaging in an affair with Aline, the wife of his employer Fred Grey, Bruce and Aline's relationship becomes increasingly conspicuous, culminating in a tumultuous and uncertain departure that devastates Fred.

Dark Laughter by Sherwood Anderson receives mixed reviews. Praised for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of human consciousness, it captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties. However, some critics find the narrative disjointed and the characters underdeveloped. Despite these points, it remains a notable work in Anderson's oeuvre.

A reader who would enjoy Sherwood Anderson's Dark Laughter is likely captivated by the exploration of American life in the early 20th century and enjoys the introspective narrative style found in works like Sinclair Lewis’s Main Street and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. They appreciate literary modernism and complex character development.

Mysterious / Dark / Contemplative / Emotional / Gritty

- Dark Laughter is notable for being Sherwood Anderson's only best-selling novel during his lifetime, contrasting with the more enduring fame of his earlier work Winesburg, Ohio.
- The book was published in 1925 and drew inspiration from Anderson's travels to New Orleans, capturing the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the city during the Roaring Twenties.
- Dark Laughter was directly influenced by Anderson's interactions with the Bohemian scene in Chicago and the burgeoning jazz culture, reflecting a shift in societal norms and creative expression.

Plot Summary

Book Brief

Explore Dark Laughter reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Book Brief Dark Laughter

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Dark Laughter and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Dark Laughter

Book Brief

Dark Laughter

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Dark Laughter?