"Dawn O'Hara, The Girl Who Laughed" by Edna Ferber follows the journey of the titular character as she navigates love, loss, and adventure in early 20th century New York City. Ferber's writing is vivid and captivating, bringing to life a vibrant cast of characters and a vivid backdrop of bustling city streets and smoky newspaper rooms.

Dawn O'Hara herself is a compelling protagonist, with her quick wit and fierce independence making her a refreshing and relatable heroine. The novel is filled with moments of humor and heartbreak, as Dawn navigates the ups and downs of her personal and professional life.

Overall, "Dawn O'Hara, The Girl Who Laughed" is a charming and engaging read that will appeal to fans of historical fiction and strong, independent female protagonists. Ferber's writing is both insightful and entertaining, making this novel a true delight to read.

Book Description:

Dawn O’Hara, the Girl Who Laughed was Edna Ferber’s first novel. Dawn, a newspaperwoman working in New York, finds herself back home in Michigan on doctor’s orders. Years of living in boarding-houses and working to pay for the care of her brilliant but mentally ill husband, Peter Orme, have taken their toll. At twenty-eight, Dawn feels like an old woman with no future. But, the loving care of her sister Norah and her family along with the attentions of the handsome German doctor, Ernst Von Gerhard, slowly bring Dawn back to life. With Dr. Von Gerhard’s help, she obtains a newspaper job in Milwaukee and begins a year of new adventures among new people. However, the specter of her husband living in a mental hospital is always present and Dawn fears she may never be free to love again.