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Cover of Just Around the Corner: Romance en casserole

Just Around the Corner: Romance en casserole

Written by Fannie Hurst

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Short storiesNew York (N.Y.)

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About this book

"Just Around the Corner: Romance en casserole" by Fannie Hurst is a novel written in the early 20th century. The story revolves around the lives of characters intertwined in the bustling atmosphere of urban life, focusing particularly on themes of romance and personal aspirations. Gertrude Sprunt is introduced as one of the central characters, working in a hotel as a manicurist, and her interactions with various male suitors hint at her desire for a deeper connection amidst the chaos of city life. The opening of the novel provides a vibrant glimpse into the world of Gertrude and her colleagues, highlighting their dynamics and their encounters with customers at the Knockerbeck Hotel. The narrative introduces us to Gertrude's professional life and her flirtations with two different men—Mr. Barker, a boisterous, wealthy suitor, and Mr. Chase, a more reserved but intriguing character. As she navigates these relationships, the chapter sets the stage for exploring Gertrude's evolving emotional landscape, filled with hope and uncertainty about her future as her heart begins to sway in different directions.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Just Around the Corner: Romance en casserole, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • romantic
  • urban
  • hopeful

Fannie Hurst's "Just Around the Corner: Romance en casserole" immerses readers in the vibrant, often chaotic, urban landscape of the early 20th century, tracing the romantic and professional journey of Gertrude Sprunt. As a manicurist at the bustling Knockerbeck Hotel, Gertrude finds herself at a crossroads, navigating the complexities of city life while yearning for a deeper connection beyond fleeting flirtations. The narrative delves into her emotional awakening as she weighs the affections of two distinct suitors: the boisterous, wealthy Mr. Barker and the enigmatic Mr. Chase. Through Gertrude's evolving heart, Hurst explores themes of personal aspiration, social standing, and the universal search for love amidst the backdrop of a rapidly modernizing world.

“"The city, a vast, pulsating heart, offered a thousand promises, each one whispering 'just around the corner.'"”

Key themes

Romance and Aspiration
This theme explores Gertrude's deep-seated desire for a meaningful romantic connection alongside her personal aspirations for a fulfilling life beyond her working-class station. It delves into the complexities of love, choice, and the pursuit of happiness in an era where women's options were often limited.
Urban Life and Social Mobility
The novel vividly portrays the bustling, often overwhelming, atmosphere of early 20th-century urban life. It examines how the city serves as both a crucible of opportunity and a backdrop for social stratification, impacting the characters' lives and aspirations.
Female Independence and Choice
This theme explores the evolving role of women in the early 20th century, particularly their efforts to gain financial independence and make personal choices regarding their lives and relationships, often against societal expectations.

Worth discussing

How does the setting of the Knockerbeck Hotel serve as a character in itself, shaping the lives and interactions of its inhabitants?

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