10/10 book. Shippable romance, betrayal, drama, and socialism? Socialist themes lie heavy in the book, supposedly as an answer to all the gruesome stuff showcased in the book. If you liked 1984, you will eat this book up like I did. It showcases the same grind wearing down a human, although here in the capitalist system. I will say the second half of the book is a bit boring compared to the first half, and also it has no ona :(. The first chapter is also a slog, but the latter half of the book, to its credit piques not a morbid curiosity but reveals the graft that ruled over Jurdis’ life. It shows him becoming the very thing he ought to destroy, like 1984. SPOILER: I was totally expecting him to die at the end, props to Upton.

Great story, I enjoyed the authors writing style which kept me enthralled the duration of the book. Very informative and relevant on societal topics that are relevant to this day. Wish there was more to Jurgis’s story after his strength and will come back, what a survivor!