Since the financial crisis cannot be explained by looking at the 'numbers' alone, Judith Schulz investigates the diverse facets of the economic system, including the emotional response and motivations of the actors. It is precisely in this context that fiction can fill in the gaps in the understanding of the financial crisis and its cultural context. Schulz analyses works of Don DeLillo, Jess Walter and Martha McPhee to explore the complex and multifaceted interaction between culture and the economy. These authors shed light on the impact of neoliberal economic policies and create a dialogue on the highly controversial questions related to the financial crisis. They point to the contradictions and paradoxes within American culture and show that there is a need to renegotiate issues of national identity and the American Dream. Contents Theorizing and Fictionalizing the Financial Crisis Capitalism and Control Culture and Consumption Crisis and Complexity Target Groups Researchers and students of American Studies, Literary and Cultural Studies Journalists and practitioners in the fields of literature and culture About the Author< While working on this book, Judith Schulz held the position of Marketing and Communications Manager at Mannheim Business School and participated in a PhD program at the University of Mannheim. In 2016, Schulz launched her own business as marketing and PR consultant.