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Nava Atlas's avatar

I'm re-reading Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott (1929!) a forgotten writer of the 1920s-1940s. It's her only book that's been brought back into print. It was a huge bestseller, published when this term was first being used. There's a lot of drinking (even though it was during prohibition), one-night stands, and women navigating the balance between love and work. The language reads as if it could have been written yesterday. Also, I noticed that quite a number of my friends were getting divorced around the age of 50, so there's that, too. Great roundup!

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Kolina Cicero's avatar

That book sounds fascinating! I just looked it up. It was anonymously published and an instant bestseller? What!? I love it. I requested it from my library. Thank you Nava!

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Nava Atlas's avatar

It was only "anonymous" for a short time — it was a technique commonly used by publishers to hint that a book promised scandal. I discuss this book in a recent post, "Why do these 1920s novels resonate today?" 100 years on, so many women's issues remain unresolved, sigh ... https://literaryladiesguide.substack.com/p/why-do-these-1920s-novels-still-resonate

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EJ Johnson's avatar

Omg LOVE Ex-Wife, it is SO great and such a riot, also so poignant. Kolina you would love!

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Kolina Cicero's avatar

I can’t believe I’ve never heard of this! It sounds right up my alley. Can’t wait.

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Nava Atlas's avatar

And yet quite sad and lonely and scary in some ways ... just like women's lives back then and also today ...

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Kolina Cicero's avatar

I've been warned! Thanks Nava and EJ!

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EJ Johnson's avatar

TOTALLY! so long ago and still so relevant

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Amy Shearn's avatar

Great roundup- and I’m excited to chat!

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Kolina Cicero's avatar

Thank you! I’m stoked!

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Mar 20
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Kolina Cicero's avatar

Thanks Tracy!!

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