The Turmoil: A Novel

The Turmoil is a 1915 novel by Booth Tarkington that explores the societal changes in a rapidly industrializing midwestern city, reflecting the clash between old values and modernity. The story centers on the Sheridan family, particularly the relationship between the ambitious father, James, and his introspective son, Bibbs, who struggles with societal expectations. As the city transforms from a quiet town to a bustling metropolis, Tarkington critiques materialism and the impact of wealth on personal integrity. This novel, the first in Tarkington's 'Growth' trilogy, was a bestseller and is noted for its vivid portrayal of early 20th-century American life.