Bobbie, General Manager: A Novel

by Olive Higgins Prouty

"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.