59 pages • 1 hour read
Abraham CahanThe Rise of David Levinsky
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1917A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Rise of David Levinsky by Abraham Cahan narrates the journey of David Levinsky, a Russian Jew who immigrates to America in 1885. Orphaned young and enduring poverty, he excels in his Talmudic studies before moving to New York City. There, he starts as a street peddler, abandoning his Orthodox traits, and eventually becomes a millionaire cloak manufacturer. David's rise in business comes at the expense of personal fulfillment, leading to regret over abandoning his educational and romantic aspirations. The book includes depictions of antisemitism, misogyny, and sexual assault.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Abraham Cahan's The Rise of David Levinsky offers a compelling exploration of the immigrant experience in America, capturing the complexities of ambition and identity. Critics praise its rich character development and cultural insights. However, some find the pacing uneven and the protagonist's moral ambiguity troubling. Overall, it's a thought-provoking, albeit imperfect, narrative.
Who Should Read The Rise of David Levinsky?
Readers who immerse themselves in narratives of immigrant life and ambition, such as those found in Upton Sinclair’s The Jungle and Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, will find Abraham Cahan’s The Rise of David Levinsky equally compelling. The novel’s exploration of identity and success in America appeals to those interested in the intersection of personal and societal transformation.