The Trouble with You is a post WWII historical novel focusing on the McCarthy era of blacklisting screenwriters of radio shows, television shows and actors and actresses and women's evolving roles in this era, Ellen Feldman has written a blend of historical fiction and romance.
The book is compelling and the characters are likeable and well-written. Fanny Fabricant is a relatable main character whose torn between her heart, her ambition and the "time" that she is living in.
I enjoyed reading this book and congratulate the author, Ellen Feldman for tackling a subject that little has been written about in the women's fiction category.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martins Griffin for the ARC!

The Trouble with You by Ellen Feldman is a stunning Historical Fiction novel set in post-WWII New York City. Families are reunited and started. But some aren't so lucky. Fanny's beloved husband Max survived the war only to die shortly after. His death tore Fanny into a million pieces but she had to learn to be present for their little girl, Chloe. Her resourcefulness, intelligence and stoic attitude led her to securing a job as a secretary in a radio serial company but she soon realized she was cut out for more. Accustomed to following rules, she learns to let go of things which hold her back. Chloe grieves her dad intensely and observes her mom's coping mechanisms with reticence.

Fanny eventually allows others to help her, including family and friends. I like the progression of her coming into her own as she re-discovers her self. Her courage and mettle are admirable and her raw sorrow really crushed me in the best way. Though characters don't always make the best choices, they are realistic in their flaws. Slow burns and character-driven stories like this are my wheelhouse, perfect to get lost in. Not for a second did the era feel unfeasible.

My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this engrossing and emotive novel.

This is an enlightening and thoughtful novel set in post WWII New York that explores not only attitudes toward women (especially widows) during the period but also the impact of the HUAC. Fanny's husband survived the war but dies tragically not long after they've settled into the house of their dreams with their little daughter Chloe. Luckily, she's got an intrepid aunt Rose who gets her an interview with the woman who writes three successful radio serials, setting Fanny down a path she never expected. Charlie, a writer, has a reckless attitude toward the HUAC- but it's Charlie who appreciates and engages Fanny. Fanny makes some tough choices (and you might not agree with all of them) but she's a realistic character. There are a few surprises here (both good and bad) so no spoilers from me. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. Good storytelling about a period and issues that desire attention.

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

The Trouble with You is extremely well written, Ellen Feldman painted Fanny' pre, during, and post-war lives very vividly.

For myself, I found the book a bit slow. I often went back to other books I was reading between the chapters.

Not to say the book wasn't wonderful, it was. Just not for me

I was able to relate in many ways to this story. This was the story of my parents in many ways. My father a medic returned from WW2 and married my Mother. They built a life together but she never reached her full potential as she remained home as a Mother. How women were viewed was quite apparent in the book
Good for Fanny for finding her way. However, how lucky she was to have such supportive family and friends. Not everyone has such resources.
It was very easy to read this book
Quite enjoyable

THE TROUBLE WITH YOU
Ellen Feldman

This is the third Ellen Feldman historical fiction novel I have read. It will be released tomorrow, February 20, 2024. Have you heard of it? Will you be picking it up?

In THE TROUBLE WITH YOU, we are following Fannie (Florence). She met and married her husband Max with a second world war on the horizon. Her job when he shipped off was to give him something to fight for and someone to return to.

While he is gone, she does her best to be what she is supposed to be. Do what she is supposed to do. Amidst the struggle, she takes a job. Over time, it starts to feel like a career and something she sees value in.

One day after the war he returns, and she finds herself fighting a war between who she wants to be and who she needs to be. Will she take the path others have laid out for her or will she make her own?


THE TROUBLE WITH YOU is a long story, spanning an entire life. It felt like a huge chunk of time because it was. For the story to span such a long time there wasn’t much to it. The plot points are there: A country rebuilding itself, a woman defying gender role stereotypes, and how those two concepts run parallel. Something in the building of the world and the characters felt hollow.

I’ve read Feldman before, and she usually keeps it interesting. This one felt a little like doing homework. By the end of the audiobook, I became bored, and impatient, and regretted picking it up. It could have been the characters; it could have been how the storyline played out, but I was overall disconnected from both.

Next time will be better.

THE TROUBLE WITH YOU will be released tomorrow, February 20, 2024.

Thanks to Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, St. Martin's Griffin, RB Media, and Recorded Books for the advanced copies!

THE TROUBLE WITH YOU…⭐⭐⭐

The Trouble With You was an enjoyable read about Fanny, a young, suddenly widowed American mother working in radio serials during the McCarthy years of blacklisting and persecution of suspected communists,. Fanny is faced with a choice between a life of risk or safety, as represented by her relationship with two very different men - Charlie, an unconventional playwright or Ezra, a doctor living by the social norms of the times.

It was very interesting to read about the McCarthy blacklisting of writers and actors, the fear it raised and the impact it had on lives, as well as the strict societal norms of the time about the role of women, including whether married women should work outside the home. Fanny’s conflicts between safety or independence, between self-acceptance or following the crowd made her a very likeable, believable character. The secondary characters, particularly her aunt and daughter, enriched the story.

I would note that this is more of a character-driven story and I found that the middle moved a bit slowly. I also found the changes in points of view a few times between the mother and daughter within the same chapter a bit jarring. However, these did not take away from my overall enjoyment of this story and I recommend this as a very solid historical fiction read.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

In THE TROUBLE WITH YOU, Ellen Feldman tells the story of Fanny, a young woman faced with the terrible dilemmas suffered by women of intelligence in the 1950s, to be that prototypical ideal woman as wife and mother or to think for themselves, work outside the home, and create a rich and fascinating life for themselves. From the moment we meet her as six year old flower girl until she is raising a younger daughter of her own, Fanny is lively, entertaining company for a reader living the life and times she never knew. The book was so vivid, so sensual in details, so well-plotted and told that I felt like I was there, facing the indignities, the pleasures, the horrors of the McCarthy era and the magic of radio and people who believe in you when you have no idea what you're going to do next. I received a copy of this book and these opinions are my own, unbiased thoughts.

The setting is the U.S. after World War II. Fanny Fabricant is a happily married wife with a little daughter. The uncertainty and anxiety of whether her husband Max would return from the front is behind her and life is looking good, but unfortunately, not for long. Fanny is dealt a blow that will test her confidence and push her to embark on a career beyond being a wife and mother. On the personal level she is torn between the past and present and on making choices between her beliefs and the pressures of political and social conformity. I thought the book was slow paced and the main character Fanny wasn’t the strongest. If she had been more like her Aunt Rose, I would have liked her more. Overall, I’d put this book squarely in the average category. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.

In this historical fiction story, set in the 1950s New York City, Fanny Fabricant makes her way in this world as a widow and a mother. She found that she enjoyed, and had a talent for, writing scripts for radio serials (never soaps) and then television shows. Fanny's aunt and cousin wanted her to remarry and she found some possible candidates but politics and the Red Scare got in the way.
I loved that she didn't conform to society norms and did not want to give up working, if and when she remarried. Fanny and her aunt were strong role models for Fanny's daughter, Chloe, to grow up to be a strong and independent young woman. I was entertained throughout the story and was always curious about the next chapter.
Thank you St. Martin's Press and Net Galley for a complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

In “The Trouble With You,” Ellen Feldman paints a vibrant portrait of post-World War II New York City, where societal norms are shifting, and individuals are faced with the daunting task of reinventing themselves. At the heart of the narrative is Fanny Fabricant, whose once-rosy future is suddenly thrown into disarray, forcing her to navigate the murky waters between safety and ethics, tradition and rebellion.

Feldman skillfully captures the essence of the era, vividly depicting the atmosphere of a city buzzing with newfound optimism yet plagued by lingering shadows of the past. Against this backdrop, Fanny’s journey unfolds, revealing her struggles, triumphs, and ultimately, her resilience in the face of adversity.

One of the novel’s strengths lies in its portrayal of the roles and expectations imposed on women during this period. Fanny, initially content with her prescribed role as a wife and mother, finds herself compelled to forge a new path when tragedy strikes. Through her relationships with her cousin Mimi and her aunt Rose, both emblematic of conflicting ideals, Fanny grapples with questions of identity and agency, ultimately charting her own course.

Feldman deftly explores themes of self-discovery and empowerment, as Fanny confronts the dichotomy between conformity and authenticity. Her inner conflict resonates with authenticity, inviting readers to empathize with her struggles and root for her as she navigates the complexities of love, ambition, and morality.

Moreover, the novel delves into significant historical events, such as the Hollywood Blacklist, shedding light on the chilling repercussions of censorship and the erosion of civil liberties. Through Fanny’s encounters with the blacklist, Feldman underscores the importance of standing up for one’s beliefs and the enduring struggle for freedom of expression.

In conclusion, “The Trouble With You” is a compelling and thought-provoking read, offering a poignant glimpse into a bygone era and the indomitable spirit of those who dared to defy convention. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and timely themes, this novel is sure to resonate with readers, particularly those with an appreciation for historical fiction and a keen interest in the evolving role of women in society. I highly recommend it.

I received a DRC of this book from the publisher but the thoughts and opinions expressed here are my own.

"The Trouble with You" begins with the tragic death of Franny Fabricant's physician husband, who has returned safely from WWII to die of an aneurysm at 28. Franny, with her daughter Chloe, begins to pick up the pieces of her life, first getting a job, then as her daughter gets older, beginning to find a romantic life.

There wasn't anything really surprising in the development of the plot. The characters are certainly likable; Franny and her Aunt Rose, in particular, are strong, intelligent women. The setting, with its portrayal of the moral dilemmas in the entertainment industry caused during the McCarthy era, is becoming a more deeply trodden path in historical fiction.

This was a pleasant and easy read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Trouble with You by Ellen Feldman is the story of a woman coming into her own. Fanny is a product of the 50’s. Fanny and Max are married with a little girl, Chloe. All is good and they are happy. Then tragedy strikes and Fanny finds herself alone with a young child to raise. Once Fanny is over the initial shock of her circumstances, she sets out to support herself and Chloe. She gets a job in radio station which produces scripts for “soaps”, and from there everything goes well. At her job she meets a writer named Charlie. They seem to bring out the best in each other as far as their writing. When Charlie is “blacked listed, Fanny agrees to be Charlie’s front and sell his scripts under her name. Fanny’s Aunt Rose encourage her to try to write “soaps’ and when she does, she finds that she is good at it. Along the way Fanny meets Dr. Ezra. They begin a relationship and eventually Ezra asks Fanny to marry him. Now Fanny must make a decision. Will she be the woman she wants to be, independent, successful and happy with herself. Or will she marry Dr. Ezra and become a 50’s woman only defined by her husband and his career. This is a good book and I enjoyed it.

Post WW2, this book focuses on Fanny, a single mom and widow who is just trying to keep her little family afloat, supporting herself and being a good mom to her daughter. She finds herself working as a secretary , typing up scripts for radio soap operas. McCarthyism is going strong, and many are afraid of having secrets revealed that could devastate their professional and person lives. Fanny ultimately has to decide if she wants to to take the easy route or if she is willing to take a big risk and really go for the life she wants.

Parts of this book were a little slow, but ultimately Fanny became a character I really found myself rooting for.

I enjoyed reading this book about a young widowed Mother of a year old, right after WWII. Her path in life being nothing that she was raised and educated to do. So different than my own Mother and all the neighbor ladies of the 1950's. She enjoys working and meeting various people, including those who are effects by McCarthyism, which I admit to not really knowing anything about. Intriguing story of reading about her life's path and choices.

Thank you to Net Galley for this e copy of The Trouble With You by Ellen Feldman in exchange for a honest review.This is an interesting and enlightening book set in post war America when Fanny Fabricant’s husband who is a doctor returns home from World War2..When tragedy strikes, Fanny has to rely on her herself to provide for her young daughter Chloe. Thanks to help from her aunt and friends she is able to work as a secretary and later as a front for a writer for soap operas when Charlie , a writer, is blacklistedSparks fly between Fanny and Charlie but can she risk her heart or settle for the safe choice, Ezra a doctor like her late husband.Very interesting piece about a dark time in American history when people were being accused of being Communists and were blacklisted from their jobs and also women were not respected in the workplace and given equal rights.

I was fascinated by this story. Fanny was lucky enough to go to college, thanks to her radical Aunt Rose. Even college educated women were expected to find careers as wives and mothers, helpmates to their husbands and husbands' careers. Fanny starts off happily on the expected path but circumstances force her to new directions. The post-war opportunities for women are infuriating and limited. As Fanny's self confidence grows she faces new challenges in more honest ways.

This is a coming-of-age story, not only of a child but of a mother. It is a lovely book of how a young woman loses the love of her life not during WWII, but after he comes home due to a sudden illness. Just when you think your life is now ready to start, it takes a different direction.

This is not a page turner, but it is a slow burning heartfelt tale of how you learn to live on your own in the 50’s when women are not expected to work and certainly not support themselves. Yes, you have a few good support family members that help you out, but all and all, it is depending on you to raise your child. And she does this splendidly.

We cover a few timeline events such as the polio scare and how the city stayed out of the water, and some of the rioting in the 60’s. I would not say this was the best book I’ve ever read, but it was certainly one I enjoyed on a dreary Saturday afternoon. The attitude of the 50’s for a woman working full time, what would the children turn out to be, would Chole survive? Comes in with 4 stars.

St. Martin's Press and NetGalley provided this Galley edition for no requirement other than my offer to provide an unbiased review. This one comes in with 4 stars.

Historical fiction set in post war in the great city of New York. Fanny Fabricant has spread her wings from being just a mother and a wife. When the men come home, Fanny prefers to keep her job.
A story that takes you back to the McCarthy years. Enjoyable read.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.

After WWII ends, Fanny Fabricant, happily married with a young daughter, suddenly becomes "poor Fanny". While she had a degree from a seven sisters college, she was not prepared to enter the workforce, which was now essential. And work was not easy to find as women were expected to step aside and let the men who had returned from the war get the available jobs. Through a connection from her single and rebellious aunt Rose, Fanny becomes a secretary for a creator of radio serials in New York City. As she develops her independence and demonstrates her own creativity, Fanny is forced to confront the rise of the entertainment industry's blacklist which was working to eliminate any Communist and subversive ideology finding its way into the media. Innocent lives were being ruined. Once the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC) targets people where she works, Fanny has to decide which side she is on.

Having read so much historical fiction which takes place during WWII, I am enjoying books set in the post-war years of the mid 1940s through the 1950s. Author Ellen Feldman set part of her 2020 book Paris Never Leaves You during and after the war and has set her latest book, The Trouble With You in the post war years. I am drawn to books with female leads who are forced to change and evolve, especially during a period such as this when the whole world was changing to a new way of life and thinking, especially for women. Fanny is a great character as is her aunt Rose, whose independence and free-thinking motivates her niece. And a New York City setting is always a plus for me. The book cover is wonderful, with its iconic view of Central Park. I couldn't help but think of my own role-model mother who was a woman who didn't have to work, but wanted to work. If this era intrigues you, check this book out.

Rated 4.25 stars.