Author
Olive Higgins Prouty
1882-1974
Olive Higgins Prouty (1882-1974) is a public-domain author available on Rivro. Read free books, explore subjects, and discover related classics.
WikipediaSubjects
Books by Olive Higgins Prouty
Bobbie, General Manager: A Novel
"Bobbie, General Manager: A Novel" by Olive Higgins Prouty is a work of fiction written in the early 20th century. The story follows Lucy "Bobbie" Vars, a sixteen-year-old girl who takes on the role of caretaker for her large family after the premature death of their mother. As a self-proclaimed aspiring writer, Bobbie shares her trials and tribulations of managing her household while grappling with her teenage identity, social aspirations, and complex family dynamics in their less-than-ideal living conditions. At the start of the novel, Bobbie introduces herself and provides a detailed account of her life as a junior at Hilton Classical High School. The narrative reveals her insecurities about her appearance, her lack of popularity, and her responsibilities as the unofficial "mother" to her siblings. As she prepares for her brother Tom's impending visit with his new bride, Elise, Bobbie expresses concerns about their dilapidated home and her ability to impress Elise, creating a tension between her familial duties and social aspirations. The opening sets the stage for Bobbie's inner conflict and aspirations, hinting at the challenges she will face as she navigates her familial obligations alongside her desire for self-identity and acceptance.
The Fifth Wheel: A Novel
"The Fifth Wheel: A Novel" by Olive Higgins Prouty is a fiction work written in the early 20th century. The story centers on Ruth Vars, a young woman navigating the social complexities and expectations of her upper-class New England community. As she makes her social debut and maneuvers through her relationships, particularly with the wealthy Breckenridge Sewall, Ruth confronts the challenges of balancing personal desires with societal ambitions. At the start of the novel, Ruth is introduced as she walks alone in the countryside, reflecting on her life and the pressures of her debut. She describes her upbringing, the expectations placed upon her to succeed socially, and her complicated relationship with her sister-in-law, Edith. As Ruth prepares for her coming-out party, she grapples with feelings of ambition and the weight of familial expectations, all while hinting at her first encounter with Breck. This opening sets the tone for a story about self-discovery, societal influence, and the quest for personal meaning within the confines of social norms.