The Rise of Silas Lapham Paperback – December 28, 2009

The " wordiest " book I ever read. The storyline was "eh".Not much to recommend from my point of view.Perhaps you can find more from the book than I did.

This appears to be a condensation as other offerings of it run 300-400 pages; this edition is less than 160. It's an excellent story of a businessman and his family and their clash with a family of snobbish uppercrust Bostonians. Lapham seems to try always to do the right thing, but his successes are hauled down by a few failures.. An excellent read if your interest is held by these themes.

Many of the reviews I read of this book were critical, so I was surprised to find that only a short way into the book, I could not put it down. Silas reminded me of Michael Henchard, the mayor of Casterbridge: full of problems, but somehow likeable in spite of all. Although it is not a top tier classic, it is puzzling that not a single copy of this "Gilded Age" American novel is in the St. Louis County library system, although the Cliff Notes are.

This novel is a joy to read. A wonderful realist novel. There are charming subtleties throughout all of Howells' novel that will only be noticed and appreciated by a close reader. Often, one single word choice can fill a sentence with an emotional tinge. The plot is more about Lapham's downfall than his rise; however, the realist glorification of the commonplace is the endgame here. Beautiful writing throughout, but the last fifty pages are where Howells shines.

One truly becomes acquainted with the war between the humble "old money" and the serpentine "new money" in this post-Civil War American novel. Although it might be a languid read at times, Mr. Howells placidly assures his reader that what might be Lapham's rise, could in fact be his downfall. Are you an American History junkie? If so, this surely needs a spot on your "must read" list!

This is fine 19th century novel. The story and the characters carry the reader along with anticipation until the ending. It is refreshing to read a novel where actions have consequences, and the protagonists bear gracefully even the negative consequences. Howells has a clear, and positive, view of human nature. Recommended as a good story well told.

Vidal, perhaps our finest American novelist, recommended Howells as an undervalued 19th century American author. The characters in Silas Lapham are finely drawn and draw us into a vivid picture of a class society. As I neared the end I wished that the story and the people I came to know would go on. I look forward to the other novels.

Always mentioned as a highly influential writer I had never read a novel by William Dean Howells. This book is a window into a time capsule which is not easily accessible of time in late 19th century Boston. The characters are vivid. The action both puzzles and surprises. Our overly media dependent culture can be tempered by a good read in a time and place beyond our experience. If you want to retreat, or advance, depending on your perspective to complete other reality, Silas Lapham will do the trick.

Great novel at a good price

Great book and quality

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