After WWII ends, Fanny Fabricant, happily married with a young daughter, suddenly becomes "poor Fanny". While she had a degree from a seven sisters college, she was not prepared to enter the workforce, which was now essential. And work was not easy to find as women were expected to step aside and let the men who had returned from the war get the available jobs. Through a connection from her single and rebellious aunt Rose, Fanny becomes a secretary for a creator of radio serials in New York City. As she develops her independence and demonstrates her own creativity, Fanny is forced to confront the rise of the entertainment industry's blacklist which was working to eliminate any Communist and subversive ideology finding its way into the media. Innocent lives were being ruined. Once the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) targets people where she works, Fanny has to decide which side she is on.
Having read so much historical fiction which takes place during WWII, I am enjoying books set in the post-war years of the mid 1940s through the 1950s. Author Ellen Feldman set part of her 2020 book Paris Never Leaves You during and after the war and her latest book, The Trouble with You takes place in the post war years. I am drawn to books with female leads who are forced to change and evolve, especially during a period such as this when the whole world was changing to a new way of life and thinking, especially for women. Fanny is a great character as is her aunt Rose, whose independence and free-thinking motivates her niece. And a New York City setting is always a plus for me. The book cover is wonderful, with its iconic view of Central Park. I couldn't help but think of my own role-model mother. If this era intrigues you, check this book out.
Many thanks to St. Martin's Press for the advance.
Rated 4.25 out of 5 stars.
Historical Fiction.
Publication Date: February 20, 2024.
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