The Rise of Silas Lapham
Howells’ masterpiece paints a vivid portrait of Gilded Age Boston through the eyes of Silas Lapham, a self-made millionaire struggling to find his place in high society. As I followed Silas’ journey, I was struck by the timeless themes of ambition, class, and moral integrity. The novel’s exploration of social climbing and financial ruin felt eerily relevant, even over a century later. Howells’ keen observations and wry humor make this a thoroughly engaging read that left me pondering the true meaning of success.