American Rust by Philipp Meyer

American Rust is a novel that explores the decline of the American middle class and well-paying manufacturing jobs, and the general sense of economic and social malaise. The story is set in the 2000s, in the fictional town of Buell in Fayette County, Pennsylvania.

The novel follows the lives of two young men, Isaac English and Billy Poe, and the tragedies that follow after Isaac’s mother dies by suicide and his sister escapes to Yale. Left alone to care for his aging father, Isaac longs for a life beyond his hometown, a beautiful but economically devastated Pennsylvania steel town.

The book delves into the lost American dream and the desperation, as well as the acts of friendship, loyalty, and love that arise from its loss. It is a bleak and unsettling novel that portrays the struggles of the dispossessed white Americans in the Rust Belt. The novel received positive reviews, and many publications ranked it one of the best novels of the year.

What I Liked

This is one my favorite novels. The setting is beautiful, melancholic, and haunting. It’s a lovely novel about a sad topic.

What I Did Not Like

Nothing – incredible work.

American Rust by Philipp Meyer

$10.59

In American Rust, Philipp Meyer tackles the decline of the American middle class through the lens of a struggling Pennsylvania steel town. The story centers on Isaac English and Billy Poe as they navigate personal tragedies, including Isaac's mother’s suicide and his sister's escape to Yale. It paints a stark picture of lost dreams and the deep bonds that form in tough times. I found the setting to be hauntingly beautiful, perfectly capturing the melancholy of the characters' lives. Honestly, I can’t find anything to criticize—it's simply an incredible read that sticks with you.

Pros:

• Beautiful and melancholic setting
• Haunting portrayal of the American dream's decline
• Engaging themes of friendship, loyalty, and love

Cons:

• Nothing - incredible work.

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12/08/2024 05:40 pm GMT