By 
Ellen Feldman, the Author of “The Trouble With You” has written an intriguing and captivating Historical Fiction Novel. The genres for this well written novel are Historical Fiction, Fiction, Women’s Fiction, and Adult Fiction. The setting for this story is New York . The timeline for this story is set after World War Two, when men were returning from the War. Many women had to leave jobs that they had for the returning men. This was also the era of McCarthyism, and HUAC, House of Un-American Activities Committee. During this “Red Scare Period” the entertainment and many other areas were affected. People were “Blacklisted. This was also the period when parents were concerned about “Polio”, and children’s activities were restricted. The expectation was that men were the bread winners, and women should stay at home and take care of the children. Of course, this was not possible for many women.
Ellen Feldman vividly describes the historical significance, the setting, the landscape, and the dark and colorful characters. Fanny Fabricant and her young daughter return to New York City, after the death of her Physician husband. The protagonist, Fanny went to an esteemed college, and now faces the problems of going into the workplace, in what should be an appropriate job, with society’s expectations of her lifestyle at this time. Influenced by her free-spirited Aunt Rose, Fanny forms friendships and alliances. She works as a secretary in the entertaining industry during the time of “Radio Serials”.
Fanny loves her daughter and does want what is best for her, but is conflicted by doing what is expected, or what she feels is the right thing to do. I appreciate how the author discusses the conflicts and problems of the times. I highly recommend this thought-provoking and memorable book .
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