Jennie Gerhardt
Publisher Description
This is the eponymous life story of a woman who craved affection. Unselfish, sweet, trusting, she is the daughter of poor working people in a Western city. She attracts the attention of one who sits in the seats of the mighty and he plans education and marriage with this girl hungry for love and grateful for recognition. But there comes a tragedy which leaves Jennie to face the world alone, with a dominant instinct for sympathy and love, something of which she accepts at last.
Customer Reviews
A fascinating study of the human condition...
Jennie Gerhardt is a story of poverty, wealth, love, death and societal mandates. In truth, these are purveying themes in Theodore Dreiser's novels, but in this book, it feels as if the author has something very specific to say about society and the often archaic and sometimes emotionless rules which govern us. Interestingly enough, Theodore Dreiser manages this without overly condemning either side, which may be one reason I enjoy his writing. If you have enjoyed Dreiser's other novels, then Jennie Gerhardt will not disappoint.