Upton Sinclair’s novel, 100%: The Story of a Patriot, follows young Peter Gudge, a poor and uneducated man living in America during the first World War. After being in the wrong place at the wrong time, Peter falls victim to false allegations of domestic terrorism. As a result, Peter must abandon his old ignorance to political issues. While becoming involved in politics and the government, Peter is swept into a plot to spy on the Socialist Party, who are suspected of the domestic bombing. Though his world has been flipped upside down, Peter uses his new awareness to become a businessman. As Peter’s job exposes poor working conditions, including unsafe business practice, low wages, and unfair expectations, issues of class are apparent. While the upper class exploits the lower-class citizens, Peter’s job reveals the struggles of workers without labor laws, invoking an empathetic desire for change. Famous for politically charged novels exposing American society and the ways its institutions harmed the American people, Upton Sinclair’s 100%: The Story of a Patriot provides a compelling narrative that advocates for the working class. Through Peter, the prolific author, Upton Sinclair, exposes big business practices-demonstrating the exploitation of the poor and disadvantaged for capital gain. Sinclair lived through World War One and experienced firsthand how it affected Americans. Though fictional, 100%: The Story of a Patriot holds historical significance, as it focuses on the unique perspective of American citizens on the home front of the first World War, rather than the actual battlefield. This thrilling tale highlights the class wars in America as well as the effects the Red Scare had on American people. With a relatable protagonist and gripping prose, 100%: The Story of a Patriot depicts a journey that is very applicable to the political atmosphere of today. This edition of Upton Sinclair’s 100%: The Story of a Patriot features a stunning new cover design and is printed in a modern font to appeal to contemporary readers.
