On Dearborn Street

On Dearborn Street
AuthorMiles Franklin
LanguageEnglish
GenreFiction
PublisherUniversity of Queensland Press
Publication date
January 1, 1981

On Dearborn Street is a novel by Australian author Miles Franklin, unpublished in her lifetime and first published in 1981.

Synopsis

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The book follows the life of Sybyl Penelo, an editor and businesswoman from Chicago who is determined to avoid marriage. After her wealthy love interest, Bobby Hoyne dies in a car race, she grows close to the older business man Mr. Cavarley and they become engaged.

Reception and themes

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Two critics noted Sybyl's resemblance to Franklin.[1][2] It was noted for its feminist themes[3] but the use of American English vernacular and the overarching plot was criticized.[4] It has been described as a "New Woman" novel by Professor Janet Lee.[5]

References

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  1. ^ "On Dearborn Street by Miles Franklin". www.publishersweekly.com. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  2. ^ Clark, Axel (1982-05-01). "Axel Clark reviews 'On Dearborn Street' by Miles Franklin". Australian Book Review. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  3. ^ Lee, Janet (2020). Fallen Among Reformers: Miles Franklin, Modernity and the New Woman. Sydney University Press. doi:10.2307/j.ctv11cwbcp. ISBN 978-1-74332-688-6. JSTOR j.ctv11cwbcp.
  4. ^ "ON DEARBORN STREET". Kirkus Reviews. Retrieved 2023-05-08.
  5. ^ Lee, Janet (2021-01-02). ""An Independent Little Sausage": Sexual Agency and Desire On Dearborn Street". Women's Writing. 28 (1): 59–74. doi:10.1080/09699082.2019.1638595. ISSN 0969-9082.