Read more
Fanny Herself (1917) is a novel by Edna Ferber. Inspired by her experience as a young Jewish woman from the Midwest, Fanny Herself is the story of a young woman who recognizes the unhappiness in her life and decides to risk it all for something better. Lighthearted in nature, yet serious in its ideals, Ferber's novel recalls the best of Fitzgerald in its unswerving commitment to humanity in all its beauty and heartbreak. "You could not have lived a week in Winnebago without being aware of Mrs. Brandeis." Such a confident pronouncement proves even truer for young Fanny, whose mother is the Mrs. Brandeis in question. As the owner of Brandeis' Bazaar-a successful store raised from the ashes of her deceased husband's chronic mismanagement-Molly Brandeis is a deeply serious woman who wants nothing but the best for her daughter. Where they differ, of course, is in the definition of that deceptive superlative. While Molly wants to train her daughter to follow in her managerial footsteps, Fanny dreams of training as an artist in order to escape the confinement of small-town life. Consistently moving, frequently funny, and supremely true, Fanny Herself is an underappreciated novel from Pulitzer Prize winning author Edna Ferber. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Edna Ferber's Fanny Herself is a classic work of American literature reimagined for modern readers.
About the author
Edna Ferber (1885-1968) was an American novelist, short story writer, and playwright known for her insightful portrayals of American life and culture. Born in Kalamazoo, Michigan, she grew up in various Midwestern towns, which heavily influenced her writing. Ferber began her career as a journalist and later turned to fiction writing. Ferber authored numerous novels, short stories, and plays that often focused on themes of family dynamics, cultural identity, and social change. Her works include "So Big" (1924), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, "Show Boat" (1926), and "Giant" (1952), all of which were adapted into successful films or Broadway productions. Known for her strong female characters, Ferber's writing also touched on feminist themes and social issues of her time, including race relations and economic disparity. Edna Ferber was a pioneering figure in American literature, known for her realistic portrayals and compassionate storytelling. Her works continue to be studied and appreciated for their exploration of American identity and the human experience. Ferber passed away in 1968, leaving behind a legacy of literary achievements that continue to resonate with readers interested in the complexities of American society and the human spirit.
