First published 1983
Paul Bede Johnson launches his ambitious trilogy with this examination of modern civilization's complexities. The narrative unfolds across the turbulent landscape of the twentieth century, where traditional certainties crumble under the weight of rapid change. Characters navigate a world transformed by technological advancement, political upheaval, and shifting social structures. The story captures individuals caught between old ways of thinking and new realities that demand adaptation. Johnson weaves together personal struggles with broader historical forces, showing how ordinary people respond when familiar institutions no longer provide reliable guidance. The first volume establishes the foundation for a sweeping exploration of what it means to live in modern times, when progress and uncertainty walk hand in hand.
Genres: american-fiction, historical-fiction, 20th-century, 21st-century, academic
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: fish-out-of-water, found-family
Period: Twentieth Century
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