Fanny Herself

"Fanny Herself" by Edna Ferber is a story set in the early 1900s about the life of a Jewish girl named Fanny Brandeis and her mother, Molly, in a little Wisconsin town called Winnebago. The story explores how women grow, what society expects of them, and the difficulties they face when trying to make their own way in a world mostly run by men. Molly Brandeis, a smart and strong woman who runs Brandeis’ Bazaar after her husband passes away, is a main character in the story. The town and its people come to life with colorful descriptions, showing the traditional roles of mothers and their impact on their children's lives. Fanny is adventurous and full of ideas, but the story suggests she will face challenges as she grows up in a changing society. The strong bond between mother and daughter is a key part of Fanny's journey into adulthood.