Oil!

« OIL! » by Upton Sinclair is a powerful American novel published in 1927 that immerses readers in the workings of the oil industry in California during the 1920s. The story follows the Ross family, particularly young Bunny, who witnesses the rapid rise of his father, an oil tycoon, and the social, political, and economic upheavals that accompany this ascent.

Through a rich and well-researched plot, Sinclair exposes the corruption, scandals, and abuses of power that plague the business and political worlds. He highlights class struggles, inequalities, and the consequences of unrestrained capitalism on workers and local communities. The novel also explores Bunnys moral dilemmas as he is torn between his fathers legacy and his own social and political convictions.

OIL! stands as a sharp social critique, delivered with lively and committed writing. It offers a pertinent analysis of the mechanisms of the oil industry, the power of the media, and political manipulation. Book categories such as American novel, historical novel, and political novel are naturally highlighted in this visionary and timeless work.