The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit Paperback – October 23, 2002

Published in 1955 The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit is an interesting look back at the 1950s and the way consumerism, work, the striving for always more and always better, took over the mindset of Americans after WWII. Tom Rath is the typical returned vet, a wife, three kids, a house in the suberbs and a job he tolerates because of the paycheck. When he has a chance to move to a different company for him the move just means more money, not really any type of fulfillment. Tom and his wife want a better house, a new car, better schools for the kids, all the things you're supposed to want. For tom to get them he has to sell his soul to his new employer, a workaholic who doesn't know his family and has no ties to anyone but his secretary and his two right hand men. Tom does his job, not knowing what it really is but hoping to keep his head above water at work in order to keep his paycheck coming in. As the 50s turn into the 60s the tone of the book changes. Money and possessions are no longer the most important thing and Tom begins to realize and finally accepts the idea quality of life is more important that the quantity of things toy can buy. This book, along with Peyton Place, provide great insights to the mindset of American culture in the 1950s.

This is a good novel that reminds me of other main stream best sellers of the 1950s. These popular best sellers often have language that could be used on television, that is little or no profanity. There is little graphic sexual activity. As a moderately conservative parent, I would allow my high school age children to read this novel. I think some modern readers may find this novel bland and tame.Having said the above, I liked this novel. It is not high literature but it is very readable. I read the novel on kindle and listened to an audiobook. The audiobook was very professional and mostly easily followed. I enjoy reading novels from other time periods in order to study what was on people’s minds and what was acceptable literature. Within that context I am very glad that I read this novel.Thank you for taking the time to read this review.

I am now teaching a course titled "Shiny Cars and Nuclear Nightmares" to several groups of retired folks who grew up in the fifties. A very big theme is how the culture that was created by returning War 2 vets who just wanted to move on, raise a family and live the America Dream. In this fine,very readable book, you create two very likable characters who represent the believable dilemma facing a man who is torn between a simple, genuine wartime love affair, and the challenge of his current life trying to raise a family, succeed in business and honor his partner. While I admire your optimism, I do feel the need for Tom to more properly wrestle with some of the damage he has done and for his wife to wrestle with and process her anger. As a Catholic perhaps would have needed to spend a little more time in Purgatory. After all she is a blameless innocent and she deserves a lot more credit for pushing Tom to think on a higher plane about some of Tom's ethical dilemma with work. Nonetheless I really enjoyed this excellent book.

I had not heard of this book until I was searching for something else and this came up as a recommendation. I purchased the book and actually had a hard time putting it down. While some parts are "dated" the books feels incredibly relevant and the dated parts add some charm to readers like me who was born in the seventies.The main character Tom Rath is a likeable protaganist who shares the same ideals as many of us today. The constant martinis are a funny part of the book and wonder how many times a martini is mentioned. Rath is a military veteran of WWII and the author skillfully takes you through Rath's experiences in the war and the woman he meets and ultimately has a child with.The other characters in the book are great and helps to keep the book flowing. I enjoyed the parts when Rath was dealing with the Butler Edward. The book is about a young couple coming to grips with post war America, finding the right job, keeping the family happy, and living with ideals of the time. Just a nice book to read that is fun and a good escape with a dose of reality that makes you think. I now understand why the book is considered to be a critically acclaimed novel.

I am about to graduate university and I stumbled upon this book. As I prepare myself to work unholy hours with money as my lone source of justification, I can't help but wonder the psychological effects the lifestyle will have on me.I read this book with no clue of what it was like to live in the 1950s but they is something so gravitational about this time period. My favorite TV series is Mad Men and I couldn't help but picture Tom Rather of the same category as Don Draper. The have incredible war stories, love a good cocktail, and work too much. Hell, their wives names are practically the same (Betsy and Betty).Anyway, this book hit me with fresh perspective. Be honest to those you love, don't work too hard and buy a Gray Flannel Suit

I enjoyed this book. I had come to know about The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit in my early youth. I do not think this was required reading, but a book that has been I my reading list. It's a great story that pertains to most of us. Stated it was written for the turn, I do not believe they would of understood the main character Tom Rath. It was well written book. However, as in most Kindle books, the proof reading in the book was pretty bad. I works recommend this book for everyone.

My daughter enjoyed the book.