Manhattan Transfer

"Manhattan Transfer" by John Dos Passos is a story set in a changing early 20th-century New York City. It follows characters like Bud Korpenning, a newcomer hoping for a better life, and Ed Thatcher, excited about becoming a father, as they navigate the city's challenges. The book opens with a detailed glimpse of a ferry arriving in New York, alongside depictions of regular city life. Throughout the beginning, the narrative weaves in a violinist and hospital staff, showcasing their struggles and ambitions, and touches on themes of aspiration, the intensity of urban living, and the connections between people in the city. The novel's start creates a strong sense of place and sets the stage for the complex relationships and individual dreams that unfold.