Lucy Ferriss writes with a compelling urgency, her prose described as being as ineluctable as a Greek tragedy. Her work delves into the complexities of human experience, exploring themes of home, identity, and the challenges faced both abroad and within America. Through meticulous research and a profound understanding of her subjects, Ferriss crafts narratives that are vivid and deeply resonant. She possesses a distinctive literary voice that captures the hopes and struggles of her characters with remarkable insight.
These splendid wide-ranging essays are filled with moments of hard-earned wisdom and deep realization. This collection should be savored and widely read. -Allen Gee, author of My Chinese America
Celebrated by writers including Jonathan Franzen, who said that “[t]his crazy, gorgeous family novel is one of the great literary achievements of the twentieth century," The Man Who Loved Children is a 1940 novel by Australian writer Christina Stead. The harrowing portrait of a dysfunctional family, the novel focuses on the relationship between the father, Sam, a tyrannical crank far removed from the civilized man he thinks himself to be, his bitter wife, Henny, and their six children, particularly eldest daughter, Louie. Considering a contemporary classic, The Man Who Loved Children was named one of the the 100 greatest novels of all time by Time m agazine. In her entry in Ig's acclaimed Bookmarked series, author Lucy Ferriss juxtaposes the egoism and brutality of Sam with the behavior of her own father, using his dairies to give the reader an intimate and devastating portrait of their father-daughter relationship. Ferriss also shares how The Man Who Loved Children influenced her own creativity and development as a writer, as well as taking on male critics of the novel-including Franzen-to get to the true feminist heart of what Time called "the greatest picture of the lousiest family of all time."
Set in a dystopian United States of 2026, the narrative follows Phoebe Masters, who navigates a society where abortion is outlawed and women's rights have regressed. By day, she works in the tech industry, but by night, she performs illegal procedures to help women reclaim autonomy over their bodies. The story highlights a chilling reversal of social progress, with married women confined to domestic roles, amniocentesis banned, and punitive measures for rape reduced to paternity suits, while homosexuality is repressed.
Exploring the journey of self-discovery, this book delves into the profound question of how far one must go, both physically and emotionally, to truly confront their inner self. It invites readers to reflect on their personal journeys and the transformative experiences that shape their identities. Through introspective narratives and insightful observations, it emphasizes the importance of understanding oneself in a world filled with distractions and external influences.
The story explores the complexities of marriage and motherhood through Brooke O'Connor, who is content with her life but firmly against having a second child, creating tension with her husband, Sean. As her high school boyfriend, Alex, reenters her life after personal tragedy, Sean's insecurities grow, leading him to suspect infidelity. This tension sets the stage for a deeper examination of relationships, loyalty, and the impact of past connections on present circumstances.
The memoir intertwines Lucy Ferriss's personal experiences with regional and national histories, exploring two distinct timelines. One narrative recounts her attendance at an exclusive ball, while the other follows her thirty years later as she returns to St. Louis to seek out key activists from ACTION, a militant civil rights group. This dual perspective highlights the evolution of social movements and personal identity over time, offering a rich exploration of history and activism.
