Overview
A Tender Thing is the debut novel by Emily Neuberger, released in 2020. It intricately weaves historical fiction with topics such as love, art, ambition, and social transformation.
Quick Summary
The story unfolds in 1950s New York City and follows Eleanor O’Hanrahan, a young woman from Milwaukee. She relocates to Manhattan to realize her aspiration of performing on Broadway and lands a role in a groundbreaking new musical. This production challenges conventions of its era with its interracial romance and progressive views on love and art.
As Eleanor becomes romantically involved with the composer of the show, she navigates the intricacies of race, gender, and authority both on and off the stage. The novel delves into her personal conflicts around ambition, identity, and the sacrifices tied to artistic expression in a society that adheres to conservative values.
Themes
- Art vs. Commerce
- Race and Interracial Relationships
- Feminism and Agency
- 1950s Social Norms and Rebellion
Why Read It?
If you appreciate:
- Theater and the backstage world of Broadway
- Historical fiction through a feminist perspective
- Coming-of-age narratives with emotional complexity
Then A Tender Thing provides a touching and immersive reading experience, exploring how individuals navigate their passion for art, love, and moral integrity during a time when many topics were deemed controversial.