Author
Fannie Hurst
1889-1968
Fannie Hurst (1889-1968) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Fannie Hurst
Just Around the Corner: Romance en casserole
"Just Around the Corner: Romance en casserole" by Fannie Hurst is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of characters intertwined in the bustling atmosphere of urban life, focusing particularly on themes of romance and personal aspirations. Gertrude Sprunt is introduced as one of the central characters, working in a hotel as a manicurist, and her interactions with various male suitors hint at her desire for a deeper connection amidst the chaos of city life. The opening of the novel provides a vibrant glimpse into the world of Gertrude and her colleagues, highlighting their dynamics and their encounters with customers at the Knockerbeck Hotel. The narrative introduces us to Gertrude's professional life and her flirtations with two different men—Mr. Barker, a boisterous, wealthy suitor, and Mr. Chase, a more reserved but intriguing character. As she navigates these relationships, the chapter sets the stage for exploring Gertrude's evolving emotional landscape, filled with hope and uncertainty about her future as her heart begins to sway in different directions.
Lummox
"Lummox" by Fannie Hurst is a novel written in the early 20th century. It centers on Bertha, a big, working-class domestic servant in New York whose awkward speech masks a deep, lyrical inner life. Through her, the story explores class, exploitation, longing, and the clash between brute labor and refined art, particularly in her orbit around the Farley household and its poet son, Rollo. The opening of the novel follows Bertha from her rough Front Street origins and loveless upbringing under Annie Wennerberg into six grinding years as the Farleys’ cook in Gramercy Park. Quietly enraptured by beauty—music, words, fabrics—she is noticed and briefly embraced by Rollo, who later turns her into poetry while pursuing a society debutante. When Bertha becomes pregnant and cannot make him acknowledge it, she leaves, drifts back to Front Street, and endures humiliating employment searches before taking night work as a charwoman. She gives birth suddenly and, destitute, surrenders the child to a respectable couple for adoption, then resumes her precarious round of jobs—her vast, mute inner life intact amid the city’s indifference.
Gaslight Sonatas
"Gaslight Sonatas" by Fannie Hurst is a novel written during the late 1910s. It explores the lives of urban characters, particularly focusing on the experiences of Gertie Slayback, a young woman trying to navigate her relationship with James P. Batch amidst the struggles of the working class in New York City. The narrative reflects themes of ambition, love, and the harsh realities of life for those in lower socioeconomic strata, set against the backdrop of a rapidly changing society. At the start of the novel, we meet Gertie Slayback, a wage-earning woman living a solitary life in a cramped room. Her longing for emotional connection becomes evident, especially in her affection for Jimmie Batch, a young man she dines with weekly. The opening portrays their relationship's delicate balance as Gertie struggles with the fear of losing Jimmie to a more glamorous lifestyle represented by another woman, May Scully. As the characters navigate their tumultuous emotions, the text paints a vivid picture of the complexity of love and the burden of personal aspirations, setting up a conflict that is both relatable and poignant.
Every Soul Hath Its Song
"Every Soul Hath Its Song" by Fannie Hurst is a novel written during the early 20th century. It explores the life and aspirations of Simon Binswanger, a young immigrant and his family as they navigate the complexities of American life and the pursuit of dreams, particularly through the lens of travel and ambition. The narrative likely delves into themes of identity, family dynamics, and the societal expectations faced by individuals seeking a better life. The opening of the novel introduces Simon Binswanger's family dynamics set in a cramped New York City apartment, where discussions around aspirations and disappointments unfold, particularly regarding the younger sister Miriam's longing for a trip to Europe. Through lively banter and familial tension, the conflicts between dreams and reality are established, highlighting the differing ambitions among the siblings. The family engages in a humorous yet heartfelt debate about travel, identity, and societal status, setting the stage for the emotional and relational complexities that will unfold throughout the story.
Humoresque: A Laugh on Life with a Tear Behind It
"Humoresque: A Laugh on Life with a Tear Behind It" by Fannie Hurst is a novel that was likely written in the early 20th century. The narrative delves into the lives of immigrant families living in a bustling tenement on the Lower East Side of New York, particularly focusing on the Kantor family. The story captures the profound contrasts of life—joy and sorrow, hope and despair—as the characters navigate their complex realities. At the start of the book, the reader is introduced to the Kantor family, highlighting their cramped living conditions and the dynamics of their daily life. The opening scene immerses us in the vibrant yet harsh environment of the Bowery, displaying a mosaic of cultures and challenges faced by the residents. We meet Mrs. Kantor, who is busy preparing for her son Leon's birthday, and we see the interactions between her and her children, especially the youngest, Leon, whose desire for a violin becomes central to the family's hopes and dreams. Through a mix of humor and tragedy, Hurst portrays the family's struggles and aspirations against the backdrop of a rapidly changing America, setting the stage for themes of ambition, sacrifice, and the pursuit of happiness.
The Vertical City
"The Vertical City" by Fannie Hurst is a novel likely written in the early 20th century. This book explores the lives of those living within the luxurious confines of the Bon Ton hotel, focusing particularly on the characters Carrie Samstag and Louis Latz as they navigate their emotional and societal predicaments. The narrative vividly illustrates the juxtaposition of glamour and deeper emotional struggles experienced by its characters. The opening of "The Vertical City" introduces readers to the opulent setting of the Bon Ton hotel, a place that serves as a mausoleum to the comforts of home for its wealthier residents. The protagonist Carrie Samstag, a widow, grapples with her neuralgic pain and her complex feelings for Louis Latz, an endearing but somewhat awkward bachelor. As they interact in the hotel lobby filled with social activities, the reader witnesses their growing emotional connection, set against the backdrop of the hotel that symbolizes both a haven and a prison for the inhabitants. The dynamics between Carrie, her daughter Alma, and Louis set the stage for a deeper exploration of themes related to love, loss, and the quest for happiness that are likely to unfold throughout the novel.
Star-Dust: A Story of an American Girl
"Star-Dust: A Story of an American Girl" by Fannie Hurst is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story centers around Lilly Becker, a young girl from a modest background embarking on the journey of adolescence, filled with aspirations of becoming a successful singer and navigating the complexities of social class, family dynamics, and self-identity. At the start of the novel, we are introduced to the vibrant world of Lilly Becker, who finds herself lost in musical daydreams as she practices the piano in her family's cramped boarding house. We see glimpses of her friendships, childhood rivalries, and interaction with her family, particularly with her mother, Mrs. Becker, who harbors ambitions for her daughter while managing the struggles of their middle-class life. The vivid details of Lilly's childhood and her aspirations foreshadow her coming challenges and growth as she seeks to carve out her identity in a world that often places limitations on young women. The opening chapters set the stage for a rich exploration of Lilly's character as she faces the pressures of expectations and seeks her place in society.