The Eleventh Virgin

Dorothy’s Day’s The Eleventh Virgin is an autobiographical novel that offers a captivating glimpse into the life of June Henreddy, a young radical journalist in early 20th-century New York City.


Day's legacy as a trailblazer in both Catholic and leftist circles adds depth to the narrative, highlighting her commitment to service and activism. Day's influence is as relevant as ever, with efforts to recognize her as a saint in 2020 underscoring the enduring impact of her work.


Despite the author's later dismissal of it as "a very bad book," the true power of this autobiographical work lies not in its literary merit but in its ability to offer insight into Dorothy Day's inner world. It delves into topics of birth control, women's suffrage, and sexual freedom. The cherry on top? A character named Glubb!