This novel essentially depicts the corruption of the meatpacking industry, and the commercially induced poverty in America at the beginning of the 20th century. It follows a Lithuanian family that immigrated to the United States in pursuit of the hopes, dreams, and promising job opportunities they were solicited in their small Lithuanian village. They quickly learn the harsh reality of the "opportunites" that await them. The are forced to live and work under extremely morbid conditions, as well as relinquish most of their core values and beliefs, just to survive. The reader accompanies the characters as they attempt to grow and prosper as a family, but instead we witness them slowly unravel into a state of destitution and degradation. The novel is based on fictional characters, but supposedly the author depicts realistic situations and events of the time. The book ultimately prompted the passage of the Meat Inspection Act and the Pure Food and Drug Act of 1906. These would lay the groundwork for the Food and Drug Administration which was established in 1930. Towards the end of the novel it turns into a campaign for socialism, but overall a good read!!!