Main Street

Sinclair Lewis's Main Street is a biting social satire that captivated readers upon its 1920 publication with its unflinching portrait of American small-town life. Follow Carol Milford, an idealistic young woman fresh from the city, as she moves to the provincial town of Gopher Prairie with her new husband, Dr. Will Kennicott. Determined to inject culture and progress into her conservative new surroundings, Carol launches ambitious projects to transform the town—only to discover that her efforts for change meet resistance, skepticism, and ridicule from smugly complacent residents. Through sharp wit and keen observation, Lewis expertly exposes the gap between urban sophistication and rural conventionality, exploring themes of feminism, social class, disillusionment, and conformity. As Carol's crusade unfolds, her marriage strains under the weight of her uncompromising idealism clashing against the town's resistance to innovation. The novel becomes a powerful critique of provincial hypocrisy and the stifling nature of communities that prioritize tradition over growth. Regarded as Lewis's most enduring work, Main Street remains essential listening for anyone interested in American literature and social commentary. This audiobook appeals to fans of classic fiction who appreciate sharp satirical writing, to readers exploring feminist themes in literature, and to anyone curious about how American small-town culture resists—and sometimes defies—the forces of change and progress.