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Cover of In America
Historical Fiction· United States

In America

by Susan Sontag
Aggregate Editorial Score70/100
★National Book Award
Published 2001224 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Published in 2001, In America established Susan Sontag as one of the defining voices in historical fiction. Maryna Zalewska, a celebrated Polish actress, emigrates to California in the 1870s to found a utopian community, then returns to the stage. Sontag's National Book Award–winning novel imagines the 19th-century immigrant experience through a figure of cultural ambition and desire. Themes of immigration, theatre, utopia run through the work. The book has received recognition from National Book Award 2001.

Book Details

AuthorSusan Sontag
Published2001
Country of Origin🇺🇸 United States
LanguageEnglish
Pages224
Category🗺️ Historical Fiction
ISBN9780312421830
Editorial Score70/100
About the Category

🗺️ Historical Fiction

Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

Explore all Historical Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇺🇸 United States

This book is part of United States's rich literary tradition.

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Editorial Assessment

First published in 2001, Susan Sontag's In America is a work of historical fiction that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with immigration, theatre, utopia, America gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Among its recognitions: National Book Award 2001. With an editorial score of 70/100 drawn from 1 independent sources, the book occupies a well-documented position in the critical literature. Its recognition spans international prizes, "best of" lists, and academic surveys. The appeal of In America lies partly in its refusal to offer easy answers. Its exploration of immigration, theatre, utopia, America is sustained, textured, and genuinely thought-provoking in ways that stay with readers well after the final page. Susan Sontag's role in the literature of United States is well established. In America can be read as both a standalone achievement and as part of a broader national literary conversation about identity, history, and the possibilities of narrative form.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

National Book Award
winner · national
200160
✍️
About the Author
Susan Sontag
United States
View Author →

Susan Sontag is a celebrated author from United States known for influential works of historical fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is In America about?

Maryna Zalewska, a celebrated Polish actress, emigrates to California in the 1870s to found a utopian community, then returns to the stage. Sontag's National Book Award–winning novel imagines the 19th-century immigrant experience through a figure of cultural ambition and desire.

Who wrote In America?

In America was written by Susan Sontag, from United States. First published in 2001.

What awards has In America won?

In America has received the following awards and honours: National Book Award 2001.

Is In America worth reading?

In America is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 60/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in immigration, theatre, utopia.

Where can I buy In America?

You can buy In America on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is In America?

In America is classified as Historical Fiction. Novels set in the past, blending real events with fictional narratives.

What country is In America from?

In America originates from United States's literary tradition. Explore more books from United States on our country page.

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