The girls

Name: The girls
Author: Edna Ferber

By Edna Ferber

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American Literature

About This Book

Three unmarried women of three generations living on Chicago's South Side form the work's focus: a seventy-four-year-old great-aunt whose long singleness lends her an aloof, monumental presence; a thirty-two-year-old niece who toggles between practical respectability and elfin impulsiveness; and an eighteen-year-old grand-niece who speaks bluntly about modern ideas, excels at athletics, and rejects sentimentality. Through scenes of family life, social visits, and vivid urban detail, the narrative explores generational contrasts in attitudes toward independence, decorum, and desire, mixing humor and close domestic observation to show how changing social expectations reshape personal relationships.

About the Author

Edna Ferber

Edna Ferber (1885-1968) was an American novelist and playwright, celebrated for her vivid storytelling and strong female characters. She gained prominence in the early 20th century, contributing significantly to American literature with works that often explored themes of identity and social change. Ferber is perhaps best known for her novel "Show Boat," which was adapted into a successful musical, highlighting her ability to blend literary prowess with popular culture. Her other notable works include "Emma McChesney and Co." and "Fanny Herself," both of which showcase her keen observations of women's lives and the complexities of modern society. Ferber's legacy endures as a vital part of American literary heritage.