Chicago is not only a city of skyscrapers, deep-dish pizza, and Lake Michigan, but it is also a city rich in literary history and culture. From Nelson Algren to Sandra Cisneros, from Studs Terkel to Gwendolyn Brooks, Chicago has been home to countless literary giants who have shaped the city’s literary landscape and left an indelible mark on the world of literature.
Author Rebecca Makkai, who herself calls Chicago home, has recommended works that capture the spirit of the city in all its complexity and diversity. Makkai’s recommendations are not only a reflection of the city’s rich literary tradition but also an homage to the vibrant and dynamic community of writers that call Chicago their home.
One of the works recommended by Makkai is “Native Son” by Richard Wright. Set in 1930s Chicago, “Native Son” tells the story of Bigger Thomas, a young African American man living in poverty on the city’s South Side. As Bigger grapples with the systemic racism and poverty that define his existence, he becomes embroiled in a series of events that ultimately lead to tragedy. Wright’s novel is a powerful and searing portrait of race, class, and injustice in Chicago, and it remains a seminal work in American literature.
Another work recommended by Makkai is “The House on Mango Street” by Sandra Cisneros. Set in the Latino neighborhood of Chicago, “The House on Mango Street” follows the coming-of-age story of Esperanza Cordero, a young girl navigating the challenges of growing up in a tight-knit community. Cisneros’ novel is a lyrical and poignant exploration of identity, family, and the search for belonging, and it captures the vibrant and diverse culture of Chicago’s Latino community.
Makkai also recommends “The Jungle” by Upton Sinclair, a novel that exposes the harsh realities of the meatpacking industry in turn-of-the-century Chicago. Sinclair’s novel is a scathing indictment of the exploitation of immigrant workers and the unsanitary conditions in the city’s slaughterhouses, and it played a key role in inspiring labor reforms and food safety regulations in the United States. “The Jungle” is a powerful and enduring work that sheds light on the social injustices that have long plagued Chicago and other urban centers.
In addition to these works, Makkai recommends “The Devil in the White City” by Erik Larson, a nonfiction account of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Larson’s book weaves together the stories of two men: Daniel Burnham, the visionary architect behind the fair, and H.H. Holmes, a notorious serial killer who used the fair as a hunting ground for his victims. “The Devil in the White City” is a gripping and suspenseful read that illuminates the darker side of Chicago’s history and the contrasts between beauty and brutality that have defined the city.
Overall, Makkai’s recommendations offer a diverse and nuanced portrait of Chicago, capturing its spirit through the lens of its literary heritage. These works not only reflect the city’s rich history and cultural diversity but also shed light on the social, political, and economic forces that have shaped Chicago and continue to influence its inhabitants today. As a city of bookish abundance, Chicago is a place where writers and readers alike can find inspiration, connection, and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Rebecca Makkai’s recommended works are a testament to the enduring power of literature to illuminate, provoke, and move us, and they serve as a reminder of the importance of storytelling in capturing the essence of a place and its people.