Pulitzer Prize Winner: An American in Germany fights against the rising tide of Nazi terror in this monumental saga of twentieth-century world history. In the wake of the 1929 stock market crash, Lanny Budd’s financial acumen and his marriage into great wealth enable him to continue the lifestyle he has always enjoyed. But the devastation the collapse has wrought on ordinary citizens has only … citizens has only strengthened Lanny’s socialist ideals—much to the chagrin of his heiress wife, Irma, a confirmed capitalist.
In Germany to visit relatives, Lanny encounters a disturbing atmosphere of hatred and jingoism. His concern over the growing popularity of the Nazi Party escalates when he meets Adolf Hitler, the group’s fanatical leader, and the members of his inner circle. But Lanny’s gravest fear is the threat a national socialist government poses to the German Jewish family of Hansi, the musician husband of Lanny’s sister, Bess—a threat that will impel the international art dealer to risk his wealth, his future, even his life in a courageous attempt to rescue his loved ones from a terrible fate.
Winner of the 1943 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, Dragon’s Teeth brilliantly captures the nightmarish march toward the Second World War. An astonishing mix of history, adventure, and romance, the Lanny Budd Novels are a testament to the breathtaking scope of Upton Sinclair’s vision and his singular talents as a storyteller.
more
Excellent historical drama. So apropos at this time of political turmoil.
Taking place in the early years of Hitler, this is bone-chilling as it is so close to Trump’s regime.
Thought-provoking parallels between the time of this book and the present political situation! Enjoyed the book.
History and wit. Good reading.
Could not get into the book. Will try again some time.
I was expecting better story telling. The story itself is interesting but the telling is weak.
I gave up after 100 pages. The story was mundane.
Though the author got carried away with the baby birthing details at the start of this book, it eventually moved on to become a meritorious book. Much historical fiction is set during WWII but I have never read another one with the point of view of a Jewish person who managed to remain in western Europe without being taken prisoner (at least other than Anne Frank). I found it to be a very good book.
I came onto this one quite by accident (a Book Bub daily special I think) and only took it because I knew the author & it was a Pulitzer Prize winner. I was instantly sucked in to Lanny Budd’s world. Lanny is a kind of Zelig, who manages to be intimate with Churchill, Hitler and FDR among many others. His over-the-top adventures with historical figures from two world wars seem somehow to be real and compelling in the context of Sinclair’s historical accuracy.
Dragon’s Teeth is No. 3 of the 11 Lanny Budd books and after I read that one, I took them in order. As Churchill said about Trollope, I wish I could start all over. While it’s not typical forgettable “beach reading,” it’s perfect for somebody who likes history and great writing.
wordy
A good story about one of Upton Sinclairs favorite characters. Also, a scary report from the Nazi regime in Germany written at the time it was occurring
Dragon’s Teeth was an informative and scary look at the rise of Hitler and the people who supported his prejudice and his rise to power.
Well-written fiction offers a fun way to understand history. This did that.
I am sorry to say but I found this book difficult to complete. My attention wandered away frequently. It was a relief to put it down.
The story details how Hitler’s Germany stumbled into the horror it became. Comparisons to the world turmoil of today were unavoidable and frightening. The insight into the 1930’s was invaluable.
Through the eyes of Lanny (a guns manufacturing scion’s son) in Europe during the 1930s, we can understand the daily changes that led to the emergence of Nazi Germany. He is a sophisticated observer who has lived in Europe for many years and is multi-lingual. His friends include the blissfully ignorant wealthy as well as European Jews. I loved the range that his character lent to the plot of slowly uncovering the evil that he found and fought.
This book was written in 1942 and is so perfectly a warning for what we are seeing in they salt-right world trumpf and his minions are desperately trying to create. It is scary and yet a primer for what we have to do as human beings to prevent another installment of right wing horror
Could be present day.