The Stars Incline

by Jeanne Judson

"The Stars Incline" by Jeanne Judson is a novel written in the early 20th century. This story centers around Ruth Mayfield, a young art student who navigates her ambitions in the vibrant yet challenging world of New York City while grappling with personal loss and family dynamics. The novel explores themes of artistry, identity, and the specter of familial expectations against the backdrop of an evolving life in a bustling metropolis. At the start of the narrative, we meet Ruth as she reflects on her life and the impact of her parents' marriage on her own views about love and relationships. Following the death of her father, her mother prepares her for a life dependent on a reluctant aunt. Ruth's journey takes her from Indianapolis to New York, where her dreams of becoming a great painter collide with the complexities of living with her glamorous, seemingly carefree aunt, Gloria. The opening establishes Ruth's inner conflicts and ambitions, hinting at romantic complications with theater figures like Terry Riordan and challenges in maintaining her artistic integrity amidst her aunt's influential lifestyle. As Ruth adjusts to her new surroundings, the narrative sets the stage for her artistic and personal growth, amidst the distractions and allure of her new life.