Written in: 07/11/25 / Author: William Saroyan

Synopsis: Set during World War II, the Human Comedy is a series of slices of the daily life of Homer Macauley, a 14 year old boy, that begins working as messenger for a telegraph agency in Ithaca, California, to provide for his family: his mom, and his siblings Bess and Ulysses. In a short span of time, Homer has to face many situations that change his view on life forever.
This book is, basically, a story about growing up, discovering the evil in the world and, even so, managing to appreciate life. Homer discovers the horrors of war, has to deliver telegraphs announcing the death of their sons to the parents and, regardless of that, still try to live normally in his dull town.
Some of the monologues and scenes in the book are really thought-provoking, if you do stop to think about it. Some strong messages in there. Besides Homer's life, the book also shows Ulysses', the 4 year old brother, just discovering life in a optimistic and carefree way. On the other side, it also shows, in parts, the story of Marcus, his older brother that was sent to war, and the tension that his family and him live of the possibility of him not coming back.
The last monologue in the book, by Homer's boss, that happens after a morbid telegraph arrives, is really touching. It talks about death and, even if your loved one isn't in this world anymore, they are still alive within everyone that knew them. I was moved, thought about my life, and almost shed a tear. Or better, a human tear.
I loved this book. It's not really popular, but I recommend it if you want to reflect a bit. But please, don't mix it up with the Honoré de Balzac's books that carry the same title.