Ruth Hall

Based on her own life, this novel by Fanny Fern is the story of a young widow forced to make her own way in the world. First published in 1855, this novel is remarkable for its refusal to endow its feisty heroine with the traditional happy ending--a second marriage to a successful man. Instead, Fanny Fern chose to write about a single mother with a flourishing career as a journalist. Unconventional in structure as well, the novel accumulates from a series of short vignettes and conversations. Copyright (C) Muze Inc. 2005. For personal use only. All rights reserved.