Shelly's Book Journal

Written in 1919, this is the story of Claire Boltwood - NY socialite on a road trip with her wealthy businessman father from Minnesota to Seattle. They get a true taste of the wide open spaces as they motor their car through the small towns of the plains and mountains of the west. Perhaps their biggest realization is the beauty of Americans that wouldn't fit neatly in their social circles. Along the way, Claire picks up an admirer in small-town mechanic Milt Dagwood. While he adores her, can she overcome her own prejudices to see him for who he really is?I found this a charming story. I have not read any of Lewis's more famous works. I would say that his style is typical of his era, reminiscent of Fitzgerald, but with more small town charm in it. It reminds me of Pride and Prejudice meets The Great Gatsby....Claire is a woman with an identity crisis. She has known nothing but social circles, but real life effects her in an unexpected way. I enjoy the time period, the adventure of learning about America in the grand adventure of the road trip. There is lots of vasilating in this story for both Claire and Milt. Recommend for people who love the classics, or American History. Take a peek into the troubles of the early 20th century.