The ''Genius" by Theodore Dreiser

The “Genius” delves into the tumultuous life of Eugene Witla, an artist driven by both his creative vision and a relentless quest for sensual experience. Leaving small-town Illinois for the vibrant streets of Chicago, Witla embraces bohemian life and garners acclaim for his vivid urban realism, navigating love, desire, and societal constraints along the way.

The novel reflects Theodore Dreiser’s own experiences, blending artistry with raw human conflict as Witla’s passions lead him from Chicago to Europe. Initially banned for its explicit content, The “Genius” captures the struggles of a prodigy, cementing Dreiser as a bold, forward-thinking voice in American literature.