Super Short Summary

The Adventures of Augie March by Saul Bellow chronicles Augie March's life from an underprivileged childhood in Chicago to his waning wanderlust in Paris. His journey includes encounters with colorful characters, various occupations, and romantic entanglements, ultimately leading him to enlist in the Merchant Marines during World War II and marry an actress named Stella, all while exploring themes of identity and self-determination. The book depicts ableist ideas that were prevalent at the time it was written, and characters with disabilities face institutionalization and marginalization.