Mary Austin

A Woman of Genius Mary Austin Reprint edition

First published in 1912, this novel draws its inspiration directly from Austin's own life and experiences as a talented woman--in the novel, an actress, whose pursuit of a career places her in conflict with the values of a midwestern town. The heroine's decision to leave a dull husband to pursue a career, and her rise to fame, are portrayed against the background of the cramping social order of the time.