It Can't Happen Here

By: Sinclair Lewis

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

First published in 1935, when Americans were still largely oblivious to the rise of Hitler in Europe, this prescient novel tells a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy and offers an alarming, eerily timeless look at how fascism could take hold in America.

Doremus Jessup, a newspaper editor, is dismayed to find that many of the people he knows support presidential candidate Berzelius Windrip. The suspiciously fascist Windrip is offering to save the nation from sex, crime, welfare cheats, and a liberal press. But after Windrip wins the election, dissent soon becomes dangerous for Jessup. Windrip forcibly gains control of Congress and the Supreme Court and, with the aid of his personal paramilitary storm troopers, turns the United States into a totalitarian state.

©1935 Sinclair Lewis. © renewed 1963 by Michael Lewis (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

A BOOK THAT WAS WRITTEN IN 1938 FOR 2017

Would you listen to It Can't Happen Here again? Why?

YES

What did you like best about this story?

ITS IRONY, PRESCIENCE AND, WELL, ABOUT AS MUCH HUMOR AS FACISM CAN PROVIDE.

What about Grover Gardner’s performance did you like?

YES, FLUID -- CLEAR

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

DON'T LOOK NOW, BUT WATCH YOUR BACK

Any additional comments?

TOO IRONIC, TOO MUCH OF A TEMPLATE FOR LAST YEAR'S PRESIDENTIAL CAMPAIGN.

A Great Book

I'm not sure what political school of thought the author is endorsing here, but I seem to think supports some form of intellectual socialism which I don't agree with, but it didn't stop me from enjoying. I enjoyed the author showing clearly the power of the mob in democracy. The book is great which I'm sure is why it is a classic. I really enjoyed the characters, the themes, and the apocalyptical fantasy created by the author.

Eerily prophetic, written in 1935!

Should be on every high school’s required reading list but probably would be burned in TX. Grover Gardner does a wonderful narration at a near perfect pace. Story covers the birth of a totalitarian nation from the perspective of a liberal newspaper editor who is far from perfect. Can actually and truthfully say this has been placed on one of my top ten books of all time.

eerie parallels to current political climate

the first 3 chapters are just plain disturbing. the parallels to Trump and what is happening in the US are eerie right down to the league of forgotten men!!!

lessons for today

well read and written. the U. S. struggle with Fascism is not over. this tale tells how it could happen...

Prescient Novel foreshadowing what’s to come

Vivid imagery of an America that is all too close to reality. It’s already happening here

This book is the American 1984.

Like 1984 this is a cautious story about authoritarianism but unlike 1984 it isn't intentionally monotonous to read. Even when reading about the miseries of authoritarianism Sinclair Lewis will make you laugh. And the descriptions feel uniquely American.

Interesting only from a historical perspective

It is enlightening how, 86 years later, some attitudes have changed and some have not.

Important book

Luckily the scenario played out in this book did not happen. However, it is eye opening and entertaining.

Highly recommend!

The set up is lengthy, but the themes are excellent. Character evolution is intriguing. Great dystopian novel!