THE DIAMOND AS BIG AS THE RITZ + AUDIO CD/MP3 Level B2/C1

This fantasy narrative takes the young protagonist, John T. Unger, on a metaphorical and literal journey from a small town called Hades to a world of fabulous riches and lavish luxury which appears to be a paradise. For the first time, he falls in love and spends one summer in a dream-like state, enchanted by the wealth and beauty around him. When he finally confronts the dark reality behind the relentless pursuit of material possessions he is left with disenchanted thoughts.This well-known satirical novella is just as relevant today as it was when it was written. The 21st Century’s global consumerist culture, epitomised by the greed and the sense of entitlement which pervades our society, means that the author’s biting criticism, written in evocative and carefully constructed prose, can immediately resonate with modern readers. As a result, this significant American writer, once dismissed as a man focusing only the essence of his own time, is now seen as a one of the great American writers, who captured both the past as well as the present with extraordinary dexterity and insight. This volume is accompanied by notes and a wide range of learning activities to enable readers to enrich their vocabulary and practise language structures.