Booth Tarkington, who won Pulitzers for 'The Magnificent Ambersons' and 'Alice Adams,' gives us another sharp look at American life with 'The Turmoil.' It's the first book in his 'Growth' trilogy, and it sets the stage by showing us the engine of change: relentless, noisy, often brutal industry.

The Story

The novel centers on the Sheridan family. Bibbs Sheridan, the patriarch, is a classic self-made man. He's built a massive manufacturing fortune in a rapidly growing Midwestern city, and he sees the world in terms of profit, power, and progress. His great hope is his son, Jim—handsome, capable, and destined to take over the empire. But Jim has a sensitive streak. He's repulsed by the dirt, noise, and moral compromises of his father's world. Instead of embracing his role as crown prince, he retreats, writing poetry and dreaming of a different life. The story follows the clash between Bibbs's forceful ambition and Jim's quiet resistance, a conflict that exposes the personal costs of the American pursuit of wealth.

Why You Should Read It

Tarkington isn't just writing about one family; he's holding up a mirror to America at a turning point. The 'turmoil' is both the literal smoke and din of industry and the inner chaos it creates. Jim's struggle feels incredibly modern. How do you find your own path when everyone has a plan for you? What is success, really? Tarkington doesn't give easy answers. The characters are flawed and real—you'll get frustrated with Jim's passivity and Bibbs's blindness, but you'll understand them. The writing is clear and vivid, pulling you right into the soot-filled streets and the tense, opulent rooms of the Sheridan mansion.

Final Verdict

This book is perfect for anyone who loves classic American literature that's more about people than plot twists. If you enjoyed the family dramas in 'The Magnificent Ambersons' or Edith Wharton's novels, you'll find a familiar but compelling world here. It's also a great pick for readers curious about the human side of the Industrial Age—not the dates and inventions, but how that relentless drive changed families and dreams. 'The Turmoil' is a thoughtful, character-driven novel that proves some conflicts between generations and values are timeless.