Sunday Pick: Min Jin Lee | from Design Matters

Published in 1935, 'It Can't Happen Here' is a dystopian political novel by Sinclair Lewis. The story is set in a fictionalized version of the 1930s United States and follows the rise of Berzelius 'Buzz' Windrip, a demagogue who becomes the country's first outright dictator. The novel centers on Doremus Jessup, a newspaper editor who opposes Windrip's fascist policies and becomes a key figure in a liberal rebellion against the regime. The novel was adapted into a play by Lewis and John C. Moffitt in 1936, which premiered in 21 U.S. theaters simultaneously.

Edith Wharton's "House of Mirth" is a classic novel of American literature that explores themes of social class, ambition, and the constraints placed upon women in the Gilded Age. The story follows Lily Bart, a beautiful and charming young woman who struggles to navigate the complexities of New York high society. Wharton's writing is characterized by its sharp wit and social commentary, creating a compelling and thought-provoking narrative. The novel's exploration of themes of wealth, power, and the hypocrisy of social conventions is both timely and relevant. The characters are richly drawn and unforgettable, their flaws and vulnerabilities making them all the more human and relatable. The novel's tragic ending is both heartbreaking and unforgettable, leaving a lasting impression long after the final page is turned.

This novel follows the story of Sunja, a young Korean woman, and her family as they navigate the challenges of living as immigrants in Japan from the early 1900s to the late 1980s. The book explores themes of love, sacrifice, ambition, and loyalty, set against the backdrop of significant historical events including World War II and the Korean War. It delves into the experiences of discrimination, cultural identity, and the struggles of everyday life for Korean families in Japan.

Audre Lorde's "Sister Outsider" is a collection of essays and speeches that explore themes of race, gender, class, and sexuality. Lorde's writing is characterized by its powerful and personal voice, challenging readers to confront their own biases and prejudices. The essays cover a wide range of topics, from the experiences of Black women in America to the importance of self-love and self-acceptance. Lorde's work has had a profound impact on feminist and anti-racist movements, inspiring generations of activists and scholars. Her legacy continues to shape conversations about social justice and intersectionality.

Middlemarch, written by George Eliot, is a novel that delves into the complexities of provincial life in 19th-century England. The story revolves around the intersecting lives of its characters, particularly Dorothea Brooke and Dr. Tertius Lydgate, as they navigate marriage, vocation, and social class. Eliot critiques the conventional romance narratives of her time by portraying marriage as a complex and often problematic institution. The novel also explores themes of idealism, self-interest, hypocrisy, and the constraints on women's lives. Set in the fictional town of Middlemarch between 1829 and 1832, the novel incorporates historical events such as the Great Reform Act of 1832 and early developments in medicine. Eliot's realistic portrayal of ordinary human life, with its quiet tragedies and small triumphs, has made 'Middlemarch' a masterpiece of English literature.

Free Food for Millionaires is Min Jin Lee's debut novel, published in 2007. It follows Casey Han, a strong-willed daughter of Korean immigrants, as she strives to join Manhattan's elite while dealing with her family's expectations and her own financial struggles. The novel explores themes of intergenerational strife, immigrant struggles, and social mobility in a city marked by stark contrasts between wealth and poverty.

Published in 1878, 'Anna Karenina' is a novel by Leo Tolstoy that delves into the complexities of Russian society in the late 19th century. The story centers around the extramarital affair between Anna Karenina, a married socialite, and Count Alexei Kirillovich Vronsky, which scandalizes the social circles of Saint Petersburg. The novel also follows the parallel story of Konstantin Levin, a wealthy landowner, and his struggles with marriage, faith, and managing his estate. Tolstoy explores a wide range of themes including love, loyalty, betrayal, hypocrisy, and the differences between rural and urban life. The novel is known for its detailed character development and its profound commentary on the human condition.