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.

This is a fantastic novel that steps outside of the overly focused on time frame of WWII and follows the aftermath: This novel focuses on Fannie and her daughters following the loss of her husband. This novel was emotional, well written and definitely something I would recommend historical fiction fans to pick up! I read this as an ARC provided directly from the publisher and NetGalley!

The Trouble with You is perfect for someone who wants to branch out a little from all of the WW2 novels out there and wants to see what life was like in the immediate aftermath of the war. It's a good palate cleanser between denser novels as well as the pace plods along at a steady pace. Fanny as a character is relatable as a main character but I found I was drawn more towards Charlie and Rose. If there was a spin-off book about either one of their pasts I would devour it!

There are a lot of books out there that focused on the post World War II time period. Some are good and some are great. This is one of the great ones!

As a war widow, Fanny fabricant needs to find a way to care for herself and her daughter and the aftermath of losing her husband. It’s a man’s world, but Fanny is determined to do all she can to make the best of life for her and her daughter. This is a lovely story of a woman being stronger that all of the cards that are stacked against her. It’s a wonderful read.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Fanny is thrilled when her husband returns safely from WWII. They can now begin a "normal" family life with their 6 year old daughter. Then tragedy strikes -- Fanny's husband suddenly dies and she is forced to find a job. At this time, women are expected to be stay-at-home moms, but Fanny cannot afford to do that.

Working as the secretary to a radio serial (never say "soap opera"), she discovers that she likes to work. She quickly becomes an editor. Fanny is befriended by another writer who is being investigated by the House Un-American Activities Committee due to his past associations. This is the height of McCarthyism and he needs a "front" to submit his stories. Fanny becomes his front and eventually becomes a writer, as well.

This novel gives the reader a good view of the scare tactics the Government used to root out Communists, particularly in the entertainment industry. Unfortunately, these methods ruined the lives and careers of many hard-working, creative people.

It was refreshing to read a historical fiction novel that wasn't set/about World War II. I haven't read many books that take place in a post war New York, and I know that I have read none about the Red scare and the Blacklist. An interesting look at the beginning of television and the impact that the Blacklist had on actors, and writers in the industry at that time.

I started to read the book and I was just not able to get into the story line. I didn’t love any of the characters, I was just expecting something different. I thought the first part was interesting and when the book jumped to a different timeline it lost me. I

This novel spans the life of Fanny Fabricant, a young mother whose husband goes off to fight in WWII, and when he returns, she believes her life will go on exactly as planned. However, one night changes everything for Fanny and she learns to adapt to a new reality in a new world that is very different than her “MRS” degree from her seven sister college prepared her for. Getting a job in radio soaps and living through the McCarthy era, Fanny realizes that she has a choice in life, she can play it safe or she can do what she believes is right.


I found this to be a thoroughly enjoyable read and listen, I really liked Fanny and her evolution as a person. The story flowed and read quickly, so much so that I put the other book I was reading down to finish this one. I thought the author’s choice of radio writers and actresses during the McCarthy era made an interesting read for me and I highly recommend this one. Another author discovered and another backlist to add to my ever-growing TBR!!


4.25 stars

Thank you to St Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC to review

Fanny Fabricant is a young widow living in New York City in the 1940s. She must cope with the loss of her husband, Max, a doctor who survived WWII only to die unexpectedly, leaving her with a small daughter to raise. With a liberal arts degree from Barnard, Fanny has no real job skills, but she is unwilling to depend on the charity of friends or family. When her aunt Rose, a left-leaning seamstress who put her brothers through college and built up her own business, finds her a job as secretary to the head scriptwriter of a radio station that airs "daytime serials" (AKA "soaps") Fanny is grateful. She types scripts, orders tickets to Broadway shows and restaurant reservations for VIPs, deals with sponsors, and brings her boss coffee or tea. The job is engaging and keeps her from brooding over the loss of her former life. It also allows her to support her daughter, Chloe. Fanny finds friendship among the actors and other scriptwriters. She even considers the idea of trying to write her own scripts.
I became thoroughly involved in Fanny's life and fascinated by the business of radio drama, especially after some of her friends fell victim to the anti-communist hysteria of McCarthyism. She becomes involved with two very different men. (One of the best things about this book is that both of them are good people with considerable charm who really love Fanny. Unlike too many other love stories, this one did not make it immediately obvious which one she would choose.) I am old enough to remember when it was expected that a woman would give up her career to raise her children so I enjoyed seeing Fanny struggle with those expectations.
I would recommend this book to fans of Lessons in Chemistry.
The Trouble With You has an engaging plot and characters. I look forward to reading more by Ellen Feldman.
Thanks to NetGalley who provided a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.