Orphaned as a teen, Carol Milford grew up in a city in Minnesota.
Already a compassionate person, Carol's time studying in college and
grad school exposed her to diverse, radical ideas and lifestyles, which
she learned to either accept or tolerate. After college, Carol earns a
position as a librarian in the state capital city, yet finds the work to
be unsatisfying. This is why she agrees when her new husband, a doctor
named Will, asks if they can move to his small hometown. However, soon
after Will and Carol arrive in the rural town, Carol finds herself
immensely disappointed in the scenery and culture. The architecture of
the town is ugly and bland, and is decorated to match. Meanwhile, its
occupants hold a high level of snooty conservatism, and immediately
disapprove of Carol for being a working woman. Because Carol loves her
husband and loves to help, she becomes determined to lead a reform for
the town by cleaning up the streets and educating the people. However,
as Carol attempts to start progressive clubs and tries to make friends,
every idea she has is disregarded and disrespected by the town's
prominent cliques. Still, Carol persistent, and tries to overcome each
obstacle they throw at her, dedicated to inspiring the town to adopt a
more accepting and informed culture.
Sinclair Lewis' Main Street is ranked among the one hundred best
English-language novels of the 20th century by Modern Library. With
immense detail, wit, and emotion, Main Street certainly earns this
honor. Through the strong depiction of a working-class woman and the
inclusion of themes such as love, maturity, feminism, social change, and
culture clashes, Lewis addresses important issues and encourages
reflection and debate.
This edition of Main Street by Sinclair Lewis features a new,
eye-catching cover design and is printed in an easy-to-read font. With
these accommodations, this edition restores Main Street to modern
standards while preserving its original heart and mastery.
