Good References

"Good References" by E. J. Rath is a tale of a young woman, Mary Wayne, who desperately wants to climb the social ladder through employment but hits a wall due to missing references. Upon entering the Brain Workers' Exchange, her dreams are almost cut short, but circumstances change when she connects with Nell Norcross, a fellow job seeker who holds the key to Mary's aspirations. Mary, driven by ambition, seizes the opportunity to assume Nell's identity, landing a coveted position as a social secretary for Bill Marshall, the nephew of Aunt Caroline. Once she makes this decision, she enters a world of complex deceit, forcing her to balance keeping up appearances, caring for a sick friend, and concerns for Bill's well-being and standing within his community. Her course of action puts her in a precarious position as the story builds on themes of ambition and deception with regard to societal pressures.