Underworld

Underworld is a novel by Don DeLillo that opens at the Dodgers-Giants 1951 National League final and follows the fate of the winning baseball through the cold war, offering a panoramic vision of America. It is part of the Picador Collection, showcasing the best of modern literature.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 832 pages
Publication date: 24 November 2022
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

Underworld, a novel by Don DeLillo, opens with a famous scene from the 1951 National League final between the Dodgers and the Giants, where Bobby Thomson hits "The Shot Heard Round the World" and wins the pennant race for the Giants. However, at the same time, another significant event occurred on the other side of the planet: the Soviet Union's first atomic detonation. This opening sets the stage for a masterpiece of symphonic storytelling that spans across time and explores the fate of the winning baseball.

As the book progresses, Don DeLillo loosely follows the journey of the baseball, taking the reader on a sweeping exploration of America, defined by the overarching conflict of the cold war. The novel offers a panoramic vision of the country, capturing the diverse landscapes, cultures, and social dynamics of the time.

Through the characters of the baseball and the people it encounters, DeLillo delves into the themes of meaning, survival, and connection in the face of adversity. The story is told in deep, clear detail, allowing the reader to fully immerse themselves in the lives of men and women, both together and apart, as they navigate the toughest of times.

Part of the Picador Collection, a series showcasing the best of modern literature, Underworld is a testament to Don DeLillo's talent as a writer and his ability to create a compelling and immersive narrative. The novel's exploration of the cold war, American culture, and the human condition makes it a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary literature.

Weight: 576g
Dimension: 134 x 196 x 67 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529092097