Book Review: "The Career of David Noble" by Frances Parkinson Keyes

You will get tired of reading about me being out of money and so, I have to binge read my old orange Penguins which I had acquired from a previous rummage in my mother's house. But honestly, I do not care if you are tired of reading about it - it is a reality. Yes, I could go to the library but unfortunately, I cannot be bothered. I have one day to properly chill out in the week and I don't want to spend it walking around in the freezing cold in a city where my phone can get picked out of my pocket and my stuff can get stolen without a second thought. So, I've been reading The Career of David Noble by Frances Parkinson Keyes - a book that focuses on a man who is part and parcel of a complex political landscape fighting morality and ambition head on and at the same time. Welcome to a novel about the American Dream.

David Noble is introduced as a bright and ambitious young man from a modest background in a small New England town. Raised with a strong moral compass by his hardworking parents, David is determined to rise above his circumstances and make a name for himself. His aspirations are fuelled by a desire not only for personal success but also for the betterment of society. This idealism sets the stage for the personal and ethical challenges he will face throughout his life. Ah yes, the idealist with good morals about to enter the real American white-collar workplace. It is set for destruction, is it not? I enjoyed this - it is familiar but the writing is clearly trying to set something up for us to analyse.

After university, David enters the world of law, where his diligence and ethical approach to his work distinguish him from his peers. He gains a reputation as a man of integrity, willing to take on cases that others might avoid due to their political or social implications. This reputation attracts the attention of influential figures, and David soon finds himself drawn into the world of politics. His idealism aligns with the progressive movements of the time, and he sees politics as a means to effect meaningful change. He still has this idealism and enthusiasm whilst initially in the workplace, and so has not yet had the world of politics thrust upon him. However, what we can see unfold is a career that though it has relied on being honest - it has also succeeded against the odds since nobody else does it. That definitely says something about the atmosphere he resides and works in.

David’s political career reaches its zenith when he is elected to a high office, a position that brings both power and scrutiny. He is faced with a series of moral dilemmas that challenge his principles. One of the central conflicts of the novel arises when David is confronted with a choice between supporting a policy that aligns with his ideals but is politically unpopular or compromising his values to maintain his political position. This internal struggle is a poignant exploration of the tension between personal integrity and public duty. One of the big challenges in his life is his marriage though. I found this most interesting because it starts off as being something of strength to having a deep and profound impact on David, practically draining him of his energy and hope. This change steps and creeps around as he gets pushed further and further into the political stratosphere.

As David grows older, he begins to reflect on the choices he has made and the compromises he has accepted. His idealism is tempered by experience, but he retains a core belief in the importance of doing what is right, even when it is difficult. The novel’s climax centres on a pivotal decision that tests David’s character and determines the legacy he will leave behind. As we begin to near to what is an odd but philosophical conclusion, there is a strange reflection upon the American Dream that I think, even if you're not American and you're not going after The Dream, you can sure as hell relate to in your life. Is it really really worth it?