Life at the Top

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Life At The Top is the second novel by the English author John Braine, first published in the UK by Eyre & Spottiswoode in 1962. It continues the story of the life and difficulties of Joe Lampton, an ambitious young man of humble origins.

[edit] Plot summary

Spoiler warning: Plot and/or ending details follow.

It is ten years further on from when last we learned of Joe's life in Room At The Top. He now has everything he thought he wanted - the upper-class wife, an executive job, two cars and two children for his new house. Yet, Joe is still a dissatisfied man - his job had not moved significantly forward in the last ten years.

This dissatisfaction leads him back to his old philandering ways - spurred on by the knowledge of his wife's infidelity. At the novel's close, we learn that a trial separation between Joe and Susan may well lead to a divorce and Joe is left to ruminate once more.

[edit] See also

Room at the Top (novel)