Cover of The girls

The girls

by Edna Ferber

First published
1921
Reading level
Easy
Price
Free

About the book

"The Girls" by Edna Ferber is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of three women in the Thrift family—great-aunt Charlotte, her niece Lottie, and Lottie's grand-niece, Charley. The narrative establishes their individual personalities and familial relationships, highlighting themes related to gender roles, individuality, and societal expectations of women during that era. The beginning of "The Girls" introduces the three protagonists in a thoughtful and engaging way. We meet the elderly Charlotte, who embodies traditional values, and her vibrant, younger relative Lottie, who struggles with societal norms and yearns for a more adventurous life. Also present is Charley, a progressive teenager who challenges conventions with her modern worldview. The opening chapters delve into their daily lives, personal struggles, and the contrast between generations, setting the stage for a story about identity, rebellion, and the quest for fulfillment within the constraints of early 20th-century society.

  • World War, 1914-1918
  • Chicago (Ill.)
  • Women
  • Families

Updated September 2026. Public domain in the USA. Text and summary from Project Gutenberg eBook #75334.

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