Mrs. Balfame

Set against the backdrop of California, the works of Gertrude Franklin Horn Atherton explore themes of feminism, politics, and war through novels, short stories, and essays. Her notable bestseller, Black Oxen, was adapted into a silent film, showcasing her influence in early 20th-century literature. Atherton faced personal challenges, including family ostracism after revealing her authorship of her first serialized work. Her literary journey began with What Dreams May Come in 1888, published under a pseudonym, highlighting her complex relationship with identity and society.