Dark Laughter
Dark Laughter
Book Brief
264
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1920s
1925
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Set in the 1920s, Sherwood Anderson's Dark Laughter follows John Stockton, who, disillusioned with his marriage and life as a reporter in Chicago, reinvents himself as Bruce Dudley in a small Indiana town. Engaging in an affair with Aline, the wife of his employer Fred Grey, Bruce and Aline's relationship becomes increasingly conspicuous, culminating in a tumultuous and uncertain departure that devastates Fred.
Mysterious
Dark
Contemplative
Emotional
Gritty
Reviews & Readership
241 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Dark Laughter by Sherwood Anderson receives mixed reviews. Praised for its lyrical prose and deep exploration of human consciousness, it captures the essence of the Roaring Twenties. However, some critics find the narrative disjointed and the characters underdeveloped. Despite these points, it remains a notable work in Anderson's oeuvre.
Who Should Read Dark Laughter?
A reader who would enjoy Sherwood Anderson's Dark Laughter is likely captivated by the exploration of American life in the early 20th century and enjoys the introspective narrative style found in works like Sinclair Lewis’s Main Street and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby. They appreciate literary modernism and complex character development.
241 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Dark Laughter is notable for being Sherwood Anderson's only best-selling novel during his lifetime, contrasting with the more enduring fame of his earlier work Winesburg, Ohio.
The book was published in 1925 and drew inspiration from Anderson's travels to New Orleans, capturing the vibrant cultural atmosphere of the city during the Roaring Twenties.
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Dark Laughter was directly influenced by Anderson's interactions with the Bohemian scene in Chicago and the burgeoning jazz culture, reflecting a shift in societal norms and creative expression.
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264
Novel • Fiction
United States • 1920s
1925
Adult
18+ years
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