Lulu Bett lives in a small town with her sister Ina and Ina’s husband Dwight–a dentist who rules his household with self-righteous smugness. The unmarried Lulu has learned that she cannot question her role as chief cook, housekeeper, and gracious presence. But when Dwight’s sophisticated brother Ninian comes to visit, Lulu finds in herself a surprising wit–and the boldness to accept his playful proposal of marriage. Through her appealing, determined heroine, Zona Gale satirically dispatches a sheaf of the social assumptions of her day, from male supremacy to the security of marriage. First published in 1920, Miss Lulu Bett was immediately acclaimed, and went on to become one of two bestselling novels of the year. Together with four of Gale’s short stories–including the O. Henry award-winning “Bridal Pond”–Miss Lulu Bett reflects Gale’s broad progressive interests and the fast-paced, affecting prose which made her one of the most popular writers of her time and a classic American storteller. “A great book . . . the telling is almost incomparable” —Robert Benchley, The World “Eloquent. . . . Miss Lulu Bett is without flaw” —The Atlantic Monthly “It has a narrowly limned beauty. . . . The book stands as a signal accomplishment in American letters” —The New Republic

'Miss Lulu Bet' is a novel by American writer Zona Gale, later adapted for the stage. The story concerns a woman, Lulu, who lives with her sister's family, essentially acting as a servant. She does not complain about her position, but is not happy. When her brother-in-law's brother, Ninian, comes to visit, there is a certain attraction between them. While joking around one evening they find themselves accidentally married, due to the laws of the state requiring little more than wedding vows to be recited while a magistrate is in the room for a marriage to count as legal. On learning this, Ninian and Lulu decide they like the idea of being married, and choose to remain together.

Poignant novel about a small town spinster's search for love and independence. Lulu Bett lives in a small town with her sister Ina and Ina's husband Dwight-a dentist who rules his household with self-righteous smugness. The unmarried Lulu has learned that she cannot question her role as chief cook, housekeeper, and gracious presence. But when Dwight's sophisticated brother Ninian comes to visit, Lulu finds in herself a surprising wit-and the boldness to accept his playful proposal of marriage. Through her appealing, determined heroine, Zona Gale satirically dispatches a sheaf of the social assumptions of her day, from male supremacy to the security of marriage. First published in 1920, Miss Lulu Bett was immediately acclaimed, and went on to become one of two bestselling novels of the year. Together with four of Gale's short stories - including the O. Henry award-winning "Bridal Pond" - Miss Lulu Bett reflects Gale's broad progressive interests and the fast-paced, affecting prose which made her one of the most popular writers of her time and a classic American storyteller.

Miss Lulu Bett by Zona Gale: This novel by Zona Gale tells the story of Lulu Bett, a woman trapped in a stifling domestic situation, caring for her family. The narrative explores themes of women's roles, family dynamics, and the quest for personal fulfillment. Key Aspects of the Novel "Miss Lulu Bett": Character Development: The novel offers a character-driven exploration of Lulu Bett's journey towards self-discovery and independence. Social Commentary: Zona Gale provides commentary on the societal expectations placed on women in the early 20th century and the limitations they faced. Domestic Realism: "Miss Lulu Bett" is a prime example of domestic realism, offering a window into the lives of ordinary individuals grappling with their desires and limitations. Zona Gale (1874-1938) was an American author and playwright known for her works of fiction and drama. "Miss Lulu Bett" earned her the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1921, and it remains a significant work in early 20th-century literature.

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Winner of the 1921 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, Miss Lulu Bett is a powerful and often-times moving play of life in a small Wisconsin town. Viewed by her relatives as a characteristic spinster, Lulu finds herself accidentally married to the charming black sheep of the family. Discovering during her honeymoon that her husband is a bigamist, she returns to her small town. However, she refuses to be overwhelmed by the shame and mortification which her overbearing relatives expect her to feel as a result of her plight. Refusing to accept conventional wisdom, she breaks with her past and sets out to forge a new life of her own. Dorothy Parker hailed the play as "truthful" and claimed it was "among the best written plays of the season," a season that included Eugene O'Neill and Pirandello. Set at the dawn of the women's moment, the play is remembered today for breaking new ground in theatrical realism. Theatre Arts Press is proud to present a new acting edition of this classic play.