Sister Kerry

Published in 1900, Dreiser's debut book caused a major scandal – it was called immoral, cynical, and a denigration of the "American Dream." Critics wrote that "praising this novel is almost as dangerous as shooting the President." However, "Sister Carrie" later became one of the symbols of American realism. The protagonist, a young, naive provincial girl named Caroline Meeber, who came to Chicago in search of happiness, is portrayed not as a helpless victim or a cynical little predator, but as a complex, multifaceted individual. Her character blends egotism with nobility and sincerity, femininity with rationality, and a thirst for success with a willingness to achieve it through patience and hard work.