A Woman for Mayor: A Novel of To-day

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

22267

Title

A Woman for Mayor: A Novel of To-day

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

In early 20th-century Roma, a group of progressive women faces a corrupt, demagogic mayor and decides to run a woman for the office. Gertrude Van Deusen steps forward as the candidate, challenging the status quo and proving that women can effectively lead municipal affairs while fighting graft and improving city services.

Summary up to 500 words

Set in the fictional city of Roma, Helen M. Winslow's *A Woman for Mayor* chronicles the groundbreaking election of Gertrude Van Deusen, the first female mayor in the novel's history. The story begins with a crisis: the city is plagued by corruption, graft, and a demagogue-backed incumbent, Barnaby Burke, while no respectable man is willing to run for office. A group of civic-minded women, including Mrs. Bateman and Cornelia Jewett, decide to take matters into their own hands. They identify Gertrude, an independent and capable woman, as the ideal candidate to lead a revolution in municipal affairs. Gertrude accepts the unprecedented challenge, entering a political arena dominated by men. Her administration immediately focuses on exposing corruption. With the support of John Allingham, a reform-minded street commissioner, she audits city finances, uncovers kickbacks from contractors, and implements sweeping reforms in sanitation, schools, and public safety. Despite facing skepticism from traditionalists and personal sacrifices, Gertrude succeeds in cleaning up the city and earning the public's trust. As her term progresses, Gertrude faces a complex realization: while her experiment is successful, the societal norms of the era suggest that a man should eventually lead. She believes that the "natural order" dictates a man at the helm, fearing that continued female leadership might eventually breed discontent. Consequently, she prepares to step down, hoping to pass the torch to a worthy successor who can carry on her policy. The narrative takes a dramatic turn when John Allingham is injured in an explosion during his work under her administration. This event awakens Gertrude's repressed feelings, revealing that her heart belongs to him. The novel concludes with their marriage and a joint commitment to guide the city. Gertrude's legacy is secured not just through her political victory, but through a partnership that blends civic duty with personal love, suggesting that a model city requires both the housekeeping instincts of women and the strength of men working together.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Fiction
• Politics