The Prodigal Women: A Novel

For intensity of emotion, turbulent and surging drama, depth of understanding and sympathy, for its remarkable exposition of feminine character and its discerning picture of American society "The Prodigal women" stands as one of the most enthralling of contemporary American novels, and fulfills in every way the critical predictions made for the author's future when her shorter novels and stories were published. It is a major American novel, one that established Nancy Hale in the very forefront of letters in her day.

Marjorie Morningstar, The Best of Everything and Prodigal Women were my favorites in high school (1960's) and I have read them many times since my high school days. Prodigal Women is my particular favorite. It is the story of three young girls growing up in Massachusetts in the 1930/40's. This book seems to have been written ahead of its time as the story deals with many issues and feelings of women today. This is a well-written book with characters that make you laugh and cry. You will recognize yourself or people you have known in this richly detailed book that follows these women from girlhood to womanhood. If you enjoy long, engrossing books with characters whose lives touch each other and change their futures, don't miss this older, but timeless book. I cannot believe Hollywood never made a movie from this best-selling novel, the characters are unforgettable.