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Cover of The Women Who Make Our Novels

The Women Who Make Our Novels

Written by Grant M. (Grant Martin) Overton

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Novelists, AmericanWomen novelists, American

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About this book

"The Women Who Make Our Novels" by Grant M. Overton is a collection of literary sketches written in the early 20th century. The work focuses on prominent American women novelists, discussing their contributions to literature and delving into their personal stories, creative methods, and influences. Overton aims to present a variety of perspectives on these writers, highlighting their artistic achievements and societal impact during a time where female voices in literature were gaining increasing recognition. At the start of the book, the author sets the stage for this exploration by outlining his intentions and qualifications for writing about women novelists, acknowledging his background as a literary reporter instead of a novelist himself. He establishes a framework that emphasizes the intersection of these women's lives with their literary works. Overton introduces the first subject, Edith Wharton, illustrating her unique position in the literary world and noting her aloneness despite her artistic success. This opening portion effectively immerses the reader in the themes of recognition and the evolution of women's roles in the literary landscape, promising a detailed examination of each author's contributions in the ensuing chapters.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Women Who Make Our Novels, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • intermediate
  • Informative
  • Analytical
  • Appreciative

Grant M. Overton's "The Women Who Make Our Novels" is an early 20th-century collection of literary sketches focusing on prominent American women novelists. As a literary reporter, Overton meticulously examines their contributions to literature, delving into their personal histories, creative methodologies, and societal influences during a pivotal era for female voices. The book aims to offer diverse perspectives on these writers, underscoring their artistic achievements and growing recognition. Overton's introduction establishes his framework, emphasizing the deep connection between these women's lives and their literary creations, setting the stage for detailed examinations, such as the initial profile of Edith Wharton, which highlights her unique yet isolated position in the literary world.

“Overton aims to present a variety of perspectives on these writers, highlighting their artistic achievements and societal impact during a time where female voices in literature were gaining increasing recognition.”

Key themes

The Recognition of Women in Literature
This theme explores how female voices in literature were gaining increasing recognition and critical attention during the early 20th century. Overton's very act of compiling this work underscores the growing importance and acknowledgment of women's contributions to the literary landscape, moving them from the periphery to a more central role.
The Interplay of Life and Art
Overton consistently emphasizes the deep connection between the personal lives, experiences, and backgrounds of these novelists and the themes, characters, and narratives present in their literary works. He posits that an understanding of their biographies is crucial for a complete appreciation of their art.
The Evolution of Women's Roles in Society
Implicitly and explicitly, the book touches upon the changing societal expectations, opportunities, and challenges faced by women, particularly those pursuing intellectual and artistic careers. The very existence of 'prominent' women novelists signifies a shift in societal attitudes towards female professional and creative endeavors.

Worth discussing

How does Overton's status as a 'literary reporter' (rather than a novelist or academic critic) influence his approach to analyzing these women novelists?

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