Gaslight Sonatas By: Fannie Hurst (1889-1968)
Gaslight Sonatas by Fannie Hurst is a captivating tale that immerses readers in the bustling streets of New York City during a transformative time in history. Set in the early 1900s, this novel gracefully intertwines themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of prevailing social norms and gender expectations. Hurst's storytelling prowess shines through her vivid descriptions, effectively painting a picture of the city that never sleeps. The author's meticulous attention to detail transports readers to the dilapidated tenement buildings and crowded marketplaces, animating the various characters who populate these streets. At the center of the narrative is Sara, a strong-willed and determined young woman who navigates the complex web of societal constraints while pursuing her passion for music. Sara's struggles and triumphs form the crux of the story, as she confronts both external obstacles and internal conflicts that challenge her resolve at every turn. Hurst skillfully highlights the limitations placed upon women during this era, deftly exploring topics such as gender inequality, societal expectations, and the sacrifices demanded of aspiring female artists. What sets Gaslight Sonatas apart is not just its engaging plot and well-drawn characters but also the author's ability to infuse the story with poignant reflections on the human condition. Through her lyrical prose, Hurst delves into the intricacies of relationships and the depths of human emotions, capturing the range of experiences that make up our lives. The music that runs like a current throughout the narrative serves as a metaphor for the harmonies and dissonances experienced by the characters, mirroring their hopes, dreams, and disappointments. Hurst's writing style is evocative and rich, making the reader feel as though they are transported back in time. The author masterfully captures the essence of New York City's bustling streets and the cacophony of its inhabitants, plunging readers into a world defined by contradictions, where poverty exists in the shadow of opulence and dreams are forged amidst adversity. While Hurst skillfully explores the struggles and joys of her characters, the pacing of the novel occasionally falters, with certain sections feeling slightly drawn-out. However, this minor flaw is easily overshadowed by the depth and complexity of the story, which keeps readers invested in the characters' journeys. Overall, Gaslight Sonatas is a poignant and immersive novel that skillfully captures the zeitgeist of early 20th-century New York City. Fannie Hurst's eloquent prose and compelling storytelling make this book an engrossing read, offering a glimpse into an era marked by rapid change and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to dream. First Page: [Illustration: They walked, thus guided by an obsequious waiter, through a light confetti of tossed greetings.] GASLIGHT SONATAS BY FANNIE HURST 1918 [Dedication: To my mother and my father] CONTENTS I. BITTER SWEET II. SIEVE OF FULFILMENT III. ICE WATER, PL ! IV. HERS NOT TO REASON WHY V. GOLDEN FLEECE VI. NIGHTSHADE VII. GET READY THE WREATHS GASLIGHT SONATAS I BITTER SWEET Much of the tragical lore of the infant mortality, the malnutrition, and the five in a room morality of the city's poor is written in statistics, and the statistical path to the heart is more figurative than literal. It is difficult to write stylistically a per annum report of 1,327 curvatures of the spine, whereas the poor specific little vertebra of Mamie O'Grady, daughter to Lou, your laundress, whose alcoholic husband once invaded your very own basement and attempted to strangle her in the coal bin, can instantly create an apron bazaar in the church vestry rooms. That is why it is possible to drink your morning coffee without nausea for it, over the head lines of forty thousand casualties at Ypres, but to push back abruptly at a three line notice of little Tony's, your corner bootblack's, fatal dive before a street car. Gertie Slayback was statistically down as a woman wage earner; a typhoid case among the thousands of the Borough of Manhattan for 1901; and her twice a day share in the Subway fares collected in the present year of our Lord... Continue reading book >>

Gaslight Sonatas By: Fannie Hurst (1889-1968)

Gaslight Sonatas by Fannie Hurst is a captivating tale that immerses readers in the bustling streets of New York City during a transformative time in history. Set in the early 1900s, this novel gracefully intertwines themes of love, ambition, and the pursuit of dreams against a backdrop of prevailing social norms and gender expectations.

Hurst's storytelling prowess shines through her vivid descriptions, effectively painting a picture of the city that never sleeps. The author's meticulous attention to detail transports readers to the dilapidated tenement buildings and crowded marketplaces, animating the various characters who populate these streets.

At the center of the narrative is Sara, a strong-willed and determined young woman who navigates the complex web of societal constraints while pursuing her passion for music. Sara's struggles and triumphs form the crux of the story, as she confronts both external obstacles and internal conflicts that challenge her resolve at every turn. Hurst skillfully highlights the limitations placed upon women during this era, deftly exploring topics such as gender inequality, societal expectations, and the sacrifices demanded of aspiring female artists.

What sets Gaslight Sonatas apart is not just its engaging plot and well-drawn characters but also the author's ability to infuse the story with poignant reflections on the human condition. Through her lyrical prose, Hurst delves into the intricacies of relationships and the depths of human emotions, capturing the range of experiences that make up our lives. The music that runs like a current throughout the narrative serves as a metaphor for the harmonies and dissonances experienced by the characters, mirroring their hopes, dreams, and disappointments.

Hurst's writing style is evocative and rich, making the reader feel as though they are transported back in time. The author masterfully captures the essence of New York City's bustling streets and the cacophony of its inhabitants, plunging readers into a world defined by contradictions, where poverty exists in the shadow of opulence and dreams are forged amidst adversity.

While Hurst skillfully explores the struggles and joys of her characters, the pacing of the novel occasionally falters, with certain sections feeling slightly drawn-out. However, this minor flaw is easily overshadowed by the depth and complexity of the story, which keeps readers invested in the characters' journeys.

Overall, Gaslight Sonatas is a poignant and immersive novel that skillfully captures the zeitgeist of early 20th-century New York City. Fannie Hurst's eloquent prose and compelling storytelling make this book an engrossing read, offering a glimpse into an era marked by rapid change and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to dream.

First Page:

[Illustration: They walked, thus guided by an obsequious waiter, through a light confetti of tossed greetings.]

GASLIGHT SONATAS

FANNIE HURST

1918

[Dedication: To my mother and my father]

CONTENTS

I. BITTER SWEET

II. SIEVE OF FULFILMENT

III. ICE WATER, PL !

IV. HERS NOT TO REASON WHY

V. GOLDEN FLEECE

VI. NIGHTSHADE

VII. GET READY THE WREATHS

GASLIGHT SONATAS

BITTER SWEET

Much of the tragical lore of the infant mortality, the malnutrition, and the five in a room morality of the city's poor is written in statistics, and the statistical path to the heart is more figurative than literal.

It is difficult to write stylistically a per annum report of 1,327 curvatures of the spine, whereas the poor specific little vertebra of Mamie O'Grady, daughter to Lou, your laundress, whose alcoholic husband once invaded your very own basement and attempted to strangle her in the coal bin, can instantly create an apron bazaar in the church vestry rooms.

That is why it is possible to drink your morning coffee without nausea for it, over the head lines of forty thousand casualties at Ypres, but to push back abruptly at a three line notice of little Tony's, your corner bootblack's, fatal dive before a street car.

Gertie Slayback was statistically down as a woman wage earner; a typhoid case among the thousands of the Borough of Manhattan for 1901; and her twice a day share in the Subway fares collected in the present year of our Lord... Continue reading book >>

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