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Somebody in Boots

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Somebody in Boots

By: Nelson Algren
Narrated by: Ramiz Monsef
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About this listen

Nelson Algren was a renowned writer, known for his penetrating and influential social novels such as The Man with the Golden Arm and A Walk on the Wild Side. Originally published in 1935, Somebody in Boots was Algren’s first novel, based on his experiences living in Texas during the Great Depression. A wonderful companion to Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath, this new edition of Somebody in Boots features an introduction by Colin Asher, the author of a biography of Algren.

©1935, 1962 by the Estate of Nelson Algren. (P)2019 by Blackstone Publishing Biographical Fiction Classics Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Political Biography
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Good story, similar to Steinbeck and Sinclair in a good way recommend to fans of depression based novels 👍

Good stuff

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This is Nelson Algren’s first novel which was not a success when originally published in the mid ‘30s. However, there is some fine writing here which chronicles the indignity of poverty during the Great Depression. There is a Steinbeck majesty to Algren’s masterly depictions of hobos, bums and simple down and outs made all the more realistic by some excellent narration. A superb introduction to Algren before moving on to his later, greater works.

Early Algren

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This was apparently his first novel which didn't sell well and which he didn't rate himself in later life. Interesting in parts but more a collection of events and experiences than a story. What might be described as gritty realism isn't always easy to listen to nor is the occasional moralising which he drifts into. I expect his other books are better as the talent is obvious

Not a bad first attempt

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