Kelroy: A Novel (Early American Women Writers) (Paperback)

by Rebecca Rush (Author), Dana Nelson (Editor), Cathy N. Davidson (Foreword) "In all ages and countries, the legends of that soft passion which pervades creation have ever been cherished with peculiar care..." (more)
Key Phrases: Charles Cathcart, Helen Cathcart, Miss Emily (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
Kelroy is easily compared to many early nineteenth-century British novels of manners and sensibility. America has never been Britain, however, and the differences are obvious in Kelroy, in which British irony becomes straightforward American criticism, villains are both more obvious and deliciously alive, and class and money take on new meaning in a newly democratic nation. The plot centers on Mrs. Hammond, "a woman of fascinating manners, strong prejudices, and boundless ambition," who, with the death of her rich but improvident husband, is left with two daughters and "the prospect of comparative indigence, which suited neither her habits nor her temper." Determined to regain a fashionable standard of living and fully aware of the power of beauty, she focuses her attention on making her daughters suitable for marriage to wealthy men who will support her as well. In Lucy she succeeds in creating an elegant, cold, marketable product. Emily, "who felt she had a heart," is another matter. And so the complications begin. Through the love affairs, financial reversal, hypocrisy, and deceit that follows Rebecca Rush provides both a condemnation of avarice, and, perhaps unintentionally, a fascinating look into early America's efforts to finds its own place between its British class-based heritage, a democratic ideal, and a rapidly developing hierarchy based upon economic success. -- For great reviews of books for girls, check out Let's Hear It for the Girls: 375 Great Books for Readers 2-14. -- From 500 Great Books by Women; review by Erica Bauermeister

Review
"Another valuable addition to the Early American Women Writers series--as usual, impeccably edited. It is indeed gratifying to have interesting and compelling new texts to work with that explore and re-vision women's lives and literary ventures. I look forward to more. Thank you!"--Liahna Babener, Montana State University

"I am glad this valuable volume is in print again--Keep them coming!"--Steven Hamelman, Coastal Carolina College

"A valuable contribution. Nice work, Cathy Davidson, et. al."--Gerard M. Sweeney, University of Akron

"Fascinating obscure (undeservedly, a fact that ideally, this edition will remedy) work that should interest, even excite, Woman's Lit. people and Lit. History folk alike."--Kevin Jones, Illinois State University

"A beautifully published book and an important one to have in print."--Dr. Marion Perry, Erie Community College-South

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Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (January 14, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0195077032
• ISBN-13: 978-0195077032
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.5 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #894,872 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An American Austen, April 18, 2000

By	Douglas Fulkerson (Upton, Kentucky) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Kelroy is a novel of manners set in 1812 Philadelphia. The basic story line involves Mrs Hammond and her two daughters. On the death of her husband, Mrs Hammond finds herself destitute with two lovely, marriageable daughters. She plans to marry them to rich husbands, and begins a campaign in order to bring this about. Kelroy is in love with Emily Hammond, who reciprocates, but Kelroy is not rich enough for Mrs. Hammond and the stage is set. The book is well written and well paced. If you enjoy Defoe, Haywood, Burney, or Austen this will be similar in style. I had two problems with the book. The first was that occasionally the characters were too "Romantic", meaning romantic like Shelley, Scott or Byron. They become over excited by nature, beautiful music, beautiful people etc. and it jars a little bit with the rest of the book. The second was it very closely follows the style of English novels of the time. There is very little in it that says to the reader this is an American novel written by an American author. These problems aside,it is a pleasant little book; not too heavy, not too light, not too long. If you like period fiction, you will like Kelroy.