Bottom Dogs

Edward Dahlberg's raw, semi-autobiographical novel follows Lorry Lewis as he navigates a bleak childhood and adolescence in the impoverished slums of early 20th-century America. From Kansas City orphanages to the harsh streets of New York, Lorry confronts neglect, exploitation, and the relentless struggle for survival. This stark modernist classic offers an unflinching look at the underbelly of society and one boy's desperate search for identity amidst despair.