Publication
Steerforth (1998), Edition: Steerforth Press ed, 344 pages
Original publication date
1942
Collections
Genres
Subjects
Awards
Description
Set against an atmospheric backdrop of New York City in the months just before America's entry into World War II, A Time To Be Born is a scathing and hilarious study of cynical New Yorkers stalking each other for various selfish ends. At the centre of the story are a wealthy, self-involved newspaper publisher and his scheming, novelist wife, Amanda Keeler.
User reviews
LibraryThing member bkinetic
This is full of interesting characters, most of them constantly seeking to enhance their social position. Dawn Powell had a wonderful sense of humor about it all. People pursuing selfish ends with a fixed sense of purpose create a tangle of priorities that are funny, and Powell makes full use of
Show More
these opportunities. The internal monologues of the characters are similar to Jane Austen's as they seek to solve mysteries of the other characters' motivations and values. Show Less
LibraryThing member maryreinert
Set in the 40's in New York City, this is the story of vanity, pride, and greed. A young woman from a small town becomes the famed wife of a famous publisher; her friend from her home town has been jilted by a lover comes to New York and takes a job at the publishing company.
This is basically the
This is basically the
Show More
story of people using each other. Very dated. Show Less
LibraryThing member burritapal
Here's a story that takes place in Manhattan at the Time when people are speculating whether or not the U.S. will enter the war. One of the main characters is a gold-digger who grew up with the protagonist. At the end, we're hopeful that the gold-digger will get her"come-uppance," and the
Show More
protagonist has a whirlwind marriage with the ex-lover of the gold-digger, so not so hopeful about that. This book is a commentary on the shallowness of those with money, and social climbers, and is really delicious to read for someone who despises both. Show Less
LibraryThing member leslie.98
Now I am left wanting to know what is going to happen to these characters next! Will Amanda be a success?
Very amusing look at the life of an ambitious woman, originally from a small Midwestern town, in New York City in the time just before the United States entered WW2 (1939-1940).
Very amusing look at the life of an ambitious woman, originally from a small Midwestern town, in New York City in the time just before the United States entered WW2 (1939-1940).
Language
Original language
English
ISBN
9781883642419
Physical description
344 p.; 7.97 inches
Pages
344