57 pages • 1 hour read
The Rise of Silas Lapham
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Book Brief
368
Novel • Fiction
Boston, Massachusetts • 1870s
1885
Adult
16+ years
Super Short Summary
The Rise of Silas Lapham by William Dean Howells is a Realist novel that chronicles the life of Silas Lapham, who ascends from poverty to wealth by selling mineral paint, but struggles to navigate the social intricacies and expectations of Boston's elite society. Lapham's rise, familial relationships, and ethical dilemmas form the core of a narrative exploring ambition, class, and responsibility. The novel features financial ruin and familial discord.
Contemplative
Romantic
Emotional
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
4,309 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Rise of Silas Lapham by William Dean Howells is praised for its realistic portrayal of late 19th-century American society and its complex character development. However, some critics find its pace slow and its plot predictable. It remains a significant work for its insightful social commentary and depiction of moral dilemmas.
Who Should Read The Rise of Silas Lapham?
Readers who appreciate realist fiction and socio-economic themes will enjoy William Dean Howells' The Rise of Silas Lapham. Fans of Henry James’ The Portrait of a Lady and Edith Wharton's The Age of Innocence will find its exploration of moral dilemmas and societal change particularly compelling.
4,309 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
368
Novel • Fiction
Boston, Massachusetts • 1870s
1885
Adult
16+ years
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