Book Bonfire Of The Vanities

Wolfe's novel is set against the backdrop of the 1986 New York City financial boom and tells the story of Sherman McCoy, a wealthy investment banker whose life falls apart after he is involved in a hit-and-run accident in the Bronx. The novel is a satirical takedown of Wall Street culture and the excesses of the 1980s, and it was a huge bestseller when it was first published. However, it has also been criticized for its length, its complexity, and its lack of likable characters.

The novel begins with the hit-and-run accident, in which McCoy's car strikes a young black man named Henry Lamb. Lamb is seriously injured, and McCoy flees the scene. The novel then follows McCoy as he tries to cover up his involvement in the accident, but his efforts are eventually thwarted by the media and the police. The novel also follows Lamb and his family as they struggle to cope with the aftermath of the accident.

The Bonfire of the Vanities is a complex and challenging novel, but it is also a rewarding one. Wolfe's writing is sharp and witty, and he creates a vivid and believable world that is both fascinating and repulsive. The novel is a powerful indictment of greed and corruption, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of New York City or the culture of Wall Street.

The novel has been praised for its realism, its humor, and its insights into human nature. However, it has also been criticized for its length, its complexity, and its lack of likable characters. Some critics have argued that the novel is too long and that it could have been edited down to a more manageable size. Others have argued that the novel is too complex and that it is difficult for readers to follow the plot. Finally, some critics have argued that the novel lacks likable characters and that it is difficult to root for any of the characters.

Despite these criticisms, The Bonfire of the Vanities remains a popular and influential novel. It is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of New York City or the culture of Wall Street.