Just Around the Corner: Romance en casserole

Metadata

Gutenberg ID

33118

Title

Just Around the Corner: Romance en casserole

Language

en

Book source

Project Gutenberg

Description max 80 words

Set in early 20th-century New York, this novel explores the vibrant, often precarious lives of working-class women navigating the worlds of beauty salons, vaudeville theaters, and dance halls. Through the eyes of characters like manicurist Gertrude Sprunt and aspiring chorus girl Della, Fannie Hurst captures the tension between ambition and survival, romance and reality, and the harsh judgments of society against those seeking a better life.

Summary up to 500 words

Set against the vibrant backdrop of early 20th-century New York, Fannie Hurst's *Just Around the Corner* (also titled *Romance en casserole*) weaves together the distinct lives of women navigating the pressures of domesticity, the allure of the entertainment industry, and the complexities of romance. The narrative opens in the Knockerbeck Hotel, where manicurist Gertrude Sprunt expertly balances her busy schedule with flirtatious interactions with wealthy clients like Mr. James Barker. Her world of high-class trade contrasts sharply with that of Della, a young woman from the Western circuit who dreams of stardom on Broadway. Della's journey takes her to the offices of theater manager Hy Myers, who recognizes her potential despite her nervousness. Myers offers Della a chance to star as 'The Red Widow' in a major production, a role that represents both the promise of fame and the inherent dangers of the stage life. Meanwhile, the story follows Lilly Harkins, a married woman seeking temporary escape from her domestic constraints. At a dance hall, she finds a whirlwind romance with the charming Mr. George Sippy. However, her happiness is short-lived; she must rush home to avoid her husband's wrath, only to discover he has returned early and left a gift—a silver bracelet—revealing his forgiveness and enduring love. Through these intersecting threads, Hurst paints a vivid picture of the era's social dynamics. The novel explores the resilience of women striving for independence and affection in a demanding world, highlighting the tension between societal expectations and personal desire. Whether in the manicure parlor, the bustling theater offices, or the quiet streets of Brooklyn, the characters face the realities of their times, finding moments of joy, heartbreak, and redemption just around the corner.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/33118.epub.noimages

Local file path

data/epubs/pg33118.epub

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Categories

• Short Stories
• New York (N.Y.) -- Fiction