About this book
Naturewoman by Upton Sinclair sweeps a sunlit island spirit into staid Boston society, as the irrepressible Anna—who prefers to be called Oceana—challenges her relatives’ rigid rules with tropical ease and blunt honesty. Written as a comedic play that blends literature and stagecraft, Sinclair’s witty drama pits free-spirited individualism against early 20th-century propriety.
Oceana, raised on a Pacific island, returns to her wealthy Masterson cousins after her grandfather’s death, bringing unconventional views on dress, romance, and entertainment that unsettle Beacon Street decorum. Sinclair, better known for The Jungle, channels his progressive, reform-minded voice into a satirical yet humane portrait of class, gender expectations, and the clash between nature and social convention. Influenced by Jack London’s exotic “nature” figures and published among Sinclair’s Plays of Protest, the work balances pointed social critique with lively dialogue and comic situations designed for the stage.
Ideal for listeners who love classic plays, social satire, and early American literature, Naturewoman offers brisk theatrical pacing, memorable characters, and thought-provoking humor. Perfect for fans of Upton Sinclair, lovers of comedic drama, and anyone curious about how one woman’s free spirit unsettles an entire household.
