Ladies Must Live

"Ladies Must Live" by Alice Duer Miller is a novel published during the early 20th century. The story unfolds in an elite social circle, focusing on themes of love, ambition, and the interplay between social status and personal desire. The opening introduces readers to a gathering at the home of Mrs. Ussher, featuring characters like the beautiful yet mercenary Christine Fenimer and the intriguing aviator Max Riatt, who may serve as the key to one woman's aspirations for wealth and status. The beginning of the book sets the stage with Mrs. Ussher's New Year’s party, establishing the social dynamics among her guests. Mrs. Almar, a strikingly honest and upfront woman, is juxtaposed against the more calculating Christine Fenimer. As they all await the arrival of the wealthy and handsome Max Riatt, tensions arise between the women over who will capture his interest. Christine plots to secure his affection amid a backdrop of social maneuvering and flirtation, while her rival, Mrs. Almar, is equally determined not to let Christine succeed without a fight. This competitive atmosphere foreshadows the complexities of attraction and the consequences of desire in a world governed by wealth and reputation. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Alice Duer Miller was an American writer whose poetry actively influenced political opinion. Her feminist verses influenced political opinion during the American suffrage movement, and her verse novel The White Cliffs influenced political thought during the U.S.'s entry into World War II. She also wrote novels and screenplays.