Ruth Hall and Other Writings by Fanny Fern (American Women Writers) [Paperback]

Joyce W. Warren (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Fanny Fern was the half-mocking nom de plume of Sara Willis, one of the most popular and well-paid newspaper columnists in the U.S. when Ruth Hall was first published in 1854. The sketchy plot and character development and brevity of the chapters attest to Fern's journalistic background, but the novel's depth of emotion and gritty portrayal of the depredations of poverty make up for its literary shortcomings. The eponymous heroine is particularly refreshing: unlike many central female characters of the time, she is not punished for taking command of her own life. Even more stirring than the novel is the selection of newspaper columns, most of which are as pertinent today as they were 120 years ago.
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"[This work] is complex, full of quirky ironies and subtle sarcasm, and, above all, it is fun!" -- Belies Lettres

In 1852, Fanny Fern became the first woman regular newspaper columnist in the United States; by 1855 she was the most highly paid newspaper writer in the country, male or female. While she was capable of producing the tear-jerking prose popular in her time, she was most famous for her biting, satirical commentary on everything from the weather to marriage to a woman's right to her own children. Ruth Hall, her first novel, is largely autobiographical and contains scathing portraits of her father, in-laws, and brother (the poet Nathaniel P. Willis) which earned her much criticism for her "unfeminine" attitude. The book concerns a young, happily married woman whose husband dies suddenly, leaving her with two children and no money. Neither set of parents is forthcoming with financial assistance and Ruth is left to fend for herself, which, after much trial, she does admirably, eventually establishing a name for herself as a writer. Hers is a female version of the American Dream, and Fanny Fern is careful to note exactly why that dream is more difficult for women to attain. She is just as careful not to let her heroine's success and security lie in marriage - Ruth succeeds on her own, with her children, usually without the help of men. She is a wonderful character, and Fanny Fern's prose sparkles with a delightful viciousness. Revenge can be sweet, and for Fanny Fern it was highly profitable as well: in its first few years Ruth Hall sold more than 70,000 copies. -- 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

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Product Details

• Paperback: 440 pages
• Publisher: Rutgers University Press; 6th edition (June 1, 1986)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0813511682
• ISBN-13: 978-0813511689
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #82,934 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #28 in Books > Politics & Social Sciences > Women's Studies > Women Writers

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars overlooked, yet very important., July 28, 2005

By 

M. Lohrke (Saratoga Springs, UT) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Ruth Hall and Other Writings by Fanny Fern (American Women Writers) (Paperback)

having never heard of fanny fern, i was mildly curious when assigned this book to read for my 'literature of the american renaissance class' a few semesters ago.

it's nice to see something of a renewed interested in fanny fern's work. in this same class we read 'little women' and i found both books highly enjoyable. however, ruth hall manages to stick its canines a little deeper into traditional chick-lit skins. make no mistake, this book has some teeth, and rightfully so.

ruth hall is essentially fanny fern's semi-autobiographical (but what i know, it's pretty much taken directly from her own life and experiences. a quick look at the plot: ruth ahll loses her husband and is forced to deal with less than kind in-laws. she's a very talented writer and supports herself and her two children by writing newspaper columnists. The novel recounts one woman's attempt to rise above social/gender discrimination and supposed gender roles to become one of the most successful writers (female or male) of her time. one can't help read ruth hall as a jab at fanny fern's detractors and naysayers. it's sort of an 'i-told-you-so-so-take-that!' and more power to her.

i enjoyed this novel quite a bit (and yes, i'm a guy), despite the occassional lapse into melodrama and and over-wrought sentimentality. fanny fern was indeed a skilled writer and should be looked at more carefully, both by academics and students. an often overlooked, nevertheless, important author.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ealry American Feminism, November 21, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Ruth Hall and Other Writings by Fanny Fern (American Women Writers) (Paperback)

I just finished reading this wonderful book for an Early American Literature course, and I think it is terrific! I had no idea what to expect going into the novel and was a little terrified of reading a "Little Woman"-y sort of story, but found myself to be pleasantly surprised by Fanny Fern's writing. This is a wonderful story which touches on many issues: women's rights, the struggles of the poor, authorship, and the question of what is true literature are just a few. Fern writes, though, so delightfully, incorporating these heavy issues into engaging anecdotes that it is hard to put the novel down once started. I cannot say enough about this piece!