Review: Good until the ending
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 04 11, 2013
Upton Sinclair describes, with almost too much graphic talent, the conditions under which workers toiled in the meat-packing plants of Chicago.  It was so revolting that I nearly gave up reading but was glad I persisted as he got into the story of a family of naive innocents form Lithuania.Their innocence turns to cynicism as they are swindled and cheated by their bosses, real estate agents, grocers and many other crooks.  the main character, Jurgis, goes through many trials (literally) and tribulations until, in the end, he is saved by happening upon Socialism.The last 3 chapter of the book consist of paean to Socialism.  All the interesting characters are forgotten and we don't learn what happens to them. I started to suspect the Sinclair was a dedicated socialist. Upon reading his biography, i found not only was this true but that "The Jungle" had been commissioned by a Socialist publication. What a disappointment.