The Jungle

"The Jungle" by Upton Sinclair is a story about immigrants facing tough times in the American meatpacking industry around the start of the 1900s. It follows Jurgis Rudkus and Ona Lukoszaite, a young couple whose hopeful start quickly turns into a battle against the dark side of a fast-growing industrial world. The story starts with their wedding, full of traditions and excitement, but the dirty Chicago stockyards in the background hint at problems to come. Cousin Marija's energy fills the celebration, but money and social pressures start to weigh on the couple even as they celebrate. The book shows how hard working-class life can be by contrasting the happy moments with the tough challenges the couple will soon have to face.