Miss Lonelyhearts by Nathanael West
This novel revolves around an advice columnist, who writes under the pseudonym "Miss Lonelyhearts", for a New York newspaper during the Great Depression. As he reads and responds to the desperate letters from the city's distressed and downtrodden, he becomes increasingly disillusioned and depressed, struggling with his own faith, identity, and the bleakness of the human condition. The protagonist's personal life also spirals out of control, entangling him in a series of complicated romantic relationships and leading to a tragic conclusion.
The 603rd greatest book of all time
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This book is on the following lists:
- 4th on Quintessential American Fiction, According to the Rest of the World (Literary Hub)
- 52nd on The 100 Greatest Novels (greatbooksguide.com)
- 912th on Our Users' Favorite Books of All Time (The Greatest Books Users)
- How to Read and Why (Harold Bloom)
- 1001 Books You Must Read Before You Die (The Book)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)