A Vivid Journey Through Post-WWII New York: A Book Review of “The Trouble With You” by Ellen Feldman #EllenFeldman @StMartinsPress #stmartinsgriffin

The Trouble With You delves into post-WWII New York, spotlighting Fanny Fabricant’s journey through societal shifts, personal dilemmas, and the chilling realities of the Hollywood Blacklist.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to St. Martin’s Griffin for the DRC of this book. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

From The Publisher:

In an exuberant post WWII New York City, a young woman is forced to reinvent her life and choose between the safe and the ethical, and the men who represent each…

Set in New York City in the heady aftermath of World War II, when the men were coming home, the women were exhaling in relief, and everyone was having babies, The Trouble with You is the story of Fanny Fabricant, whose rosy future is upended in a single instant. Educated for a career as a wife and mother, she is torn between her cousin Mimi, who is determined to keep her a “nice girl,” and her aunt Rose, who has a rebellious past of her own.

Forging a new life, she gets a job in radio serials. Then through her friendship with an actress who stars in and a man who writes the series, she comes face-to-face with the blacklist, which is wrecking lives.

Ultimately, Fanny must decide between playing it safe or doing what is right in this vivid evocation of a world that seems at once light-years away and strangely immediate.

My Thoughts:

In “The Trouble With You,” Ellen Feldman paints a vibrant portrait of post-World War II New York City, where societal norms are shifting, and individuals are faced with the daunting task of reinventing themselves. At the heart of the narrative is Fanny Fabricant, whose once-rosy future is suddenly thrown into disarray, forcing her to navigate the murky waters between safety and ethics, tradition and rebellion.

Feldman skillfully captures the essence of the era, vividly depicting the atmosphere of a city buzzing with newfound optimism yet plagued by lingering shadows of the past. Against this backdrop, Fanny’s journey unfolds, revealing her struggles, triumphs, and ultimately, her resilience in the face of adversity.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its portrayal of the roles and expectations imposed on women during this period. Fanny, initially content with her prescribed role as a wife and mother, finds herself compelled to forge a new path when tragedy strikes. Through her relationships with her cousin Mimi and her aunt Rose, both emblematic of conflicting ideals, Fanny grapples with questions of identity and agency, ultimately charting her own course.

Feldman deftly explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment, as Fanny confronts the dichotomy between conformity and authenticity. Her inner conflict resonates with authenticity, inviting readers to empathize with her struggles and root for her as she navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and morality.

Moreover, the novel delves into significant historical events, such as the Hollywood Blacklist, shedding light on the chilling repercussions of censorship and the erosion of civil liberties. Through Fanny’s encounters with the blacklist, Feldman underscores the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and the enduring struggle for freedom of expression.

In conclusion, “The Trouble With You” is a compelling and thought-provoking read, offering a poignant glimpse into a bygone era and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to defy convention. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and timely themes, this novel is sure to resonate with readers, particularly those with an appreciation for historical fiction and a keen interest in the evolving role of women in society. I highly recommend it.

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