Appointment in Samarra by John O'Hara
This novel explores the self-destruction of the main character, a successful and respected car dealer, over a three-day span during the Christmas season in 1930. After a series of impulsive and reckless actions, including alienating his friends and family, having an affair, and getting involved with organized crime, the protagonist spirals out of control, leading to his tragic demise. The book offers a critique of the vapid and hypocritical aspects of high society in a small Pennsylvania town during the Great Depression.
The 2966th greatest book of all time
- Published
- 1934
- Nationality
- American
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 240-300
- Words
- 68,000
- Original Language
- English
- Alternate Titles
- None
If you're interested in seeing the ranking details on this book go here
This book is on the following 4 lists:
- 22nd on The Modern Library | 100 Best Novels (Modern Library)
- TIME Magazine All Time 100 Novels (TIME Magazine)
- The 100 Greatest American Novels, 1893 – 1993 (Jeff O'Neal at Bookriot.com)
- Harold Bloom's The Western Canon (The Western Canon (Book) by Harold Bloom)