L
Linda Ray Pratt
Linda Ray Pratt is known for her work on Yonnondio: from the thirties. Her writing explores the themes and impact of this important American novel.
Yonnondio: from the thirties
- Pages
- 152
- Published
- 1975
- Language
- English
Synopsis
This novel follows the Holbrook family as they navigate the harsh realities of the late 1920s and the Great Depression. From the dangerous coal mines of Wyoming to a tenant farm in Nebraska and finally to the brutal slaughterhouses of Omaha, their journey is a relentless struggle against cruel and indifferent systems. Told through the eyes of Mazie, the eldest daughter, it is a story of shattered dreams and the enduring, yet often frustrated, desire for a better life.
Genres
Characters
Mazie HolbrookProtagonist
Jim HolbrookSupporting
Anna HolbrookSupporting
Frequently asked questions
What is the publishing history of Yonnondio?
Tillie Olsen began writing Yonnondio in the 1930s, but it remained unfinished for decades. It was eventually published in 1974, making it her first novel despite being conceived much earlier in her career.
How does Yonnondio connect to Tillie Olsen's other works?
Yonnondio shares thematic concerns with Olsen's other writings, particularly its focus on the struggles of working-class women and families, and the impact of poverty on their lives and aspirations. It is often seen as a foundational text for understanding her later short stories and essays.