Miss Lonelyhearts
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1933
80
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1930s
1933
Adult
18+ years
Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathanael West follows a jaded newspaper reporter who runs the lonely hearts’ column and finds himself tormented by the painful letters he receives. With a mocking editor and disheartening interactions, he grapples with the despair of his correspondents, culminating in personal and professional crises as he attempts to navigate his obligations and emotional turmoil. Topics include sexual violence, infidelity, and disability.
Dark
Melancholic
Unnerving
Mysterious
10,589 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Nathanael West's Miss Lonelyhearts is praised for its dark satire and incisive critique of American society. The novel's bleak tone and complex characters receive acclaim, highlighting West's literary craftsmanship. Some critics, however, find the pervasive cynicism and despair overwhelming, detracting from reader engagement. Overall, it's a powerful though unsettling read.
Readers who appreciate dark satire, existential themes, and sharp social critique will enjoy Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathanael West. Similar to Sinclair Lewis's Main Street or F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby, this novel appeals to those interested in the moral decay and human despair underlying the American Dream.
10,589 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
80
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1930s
1933
Adult
18+ years
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