Episode Summary: The History of Literature - Episode 673: Edna Ferber (with Julie Gilbert) | My Last Book with Jessica Kirzane

In Episode 673 of The History of Literature, host Jack Wilson delves into the life and legacy of Pulitzer Prize-winning author Edna Ferber, accompanied by special guest Julie Gilbert, Ferber’s great-niece and biographer. The episode also features insights from Jessica Curzane, an expert in Yiddish language and literature, discussing her thoughts on literary finales. This comprehensive discussion offers listeners a rich exploration of Ferber's contributions to American literature, her personal relationships, and the enduring impact of her work.

1. Introduction to Edna Ferber

The episode opens with Jack Wilson quoting Edna Ferber:

"Only amateurs say that they write for their own amusement. Writing is not an amusing occupation. It is a combination of ditch digging, mountain climbing, treadmill, and childbirth. Writing may be interesting, absorbing, exhilarating, wracking, relieving. But amusing? Never."
- Edna Ferber (00:01)

Jack humorously reflects on the intense adjectives Ferber used to describe writing, setting the tone for a deep dive into Ferber’s disciplined and passionate approach to literature.

2. Julie Gilbert’s Insights on Ferber

Julie Gilbert, author of Giant Love and expert on Edna Ferber, joins Jack to provide a nuanced understanding of Ferber’s life and works.

"Edna Ferber was so old that she's new again. And I'm hoping for that to reintroduce her to the public at large."
- Julie Gilbert (07:25)

Julie traces Ferber's origins from her upbringing in a German Jewish family in the Midwest to her rise as a prominent journalist and novelist. She highlights Ferber's early career as a reporter for the Milwaukee Journal and her transition to novel writing, with her first novel Dawn O'Hara, the Girl Who Laughed marking the beginning of her successful literary journey.

3. Edna Ferber’s Literary Works: 'Showboat' and 'Giant'

The conversation transitions to Ferber's most notable works, particularly Showboat and Giant.

"She wrote about women who often in the early days of her work, middle class Jewish American women forging ahead with juggling families and burgeoning careers."
- Julie Gilbert (15:14)

Ferber’s Showboat became a cultural phenomenon, adapted into both a musical and multiple films. Julie discusses the collaboration between Ferber and collaborators like Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein, emphasizing the musical’s lasting legacy.

Regarding Giant, Julie explains:

"From Ferber's standpoint, it was about a woman marrying for love and passion who did not know really what was behind the man she was marrying."
- Julie Gilbert (29:43)

Giant explores the complexities of marriage, power dynamics in Texas, and the treatment of Mexican Americans, reflecting Ferber’s keen social observations.

4. Julie Gilbert’s Personal Relationship with Ferber

Julie shares personal anecdotes about her relationship with Edna Ferber, providing an intimate glimpse into the author's character.

"She was like my fairy godmother, truly. She was just wonderful to me all of the time I knew her."
- Julie Gilbert (20:46)

Julie recounts memories of attending matinees together, meeting prominent theater figures like Mary Martin, and Ferber’s mentorship, which greatly influenced Julie’s own literary pursuits.

5. Discussion on 'Giant' and Its Film Adaptation

The dialogue shifts to the adaptation of Giant into a film, highlighting Ferber’s active role in the process.

"She had more power than just selling the rights to her novel... she was very much a participant, not so much in the filming."
- Julie Gilbert (35:24)

Ferber’s collaboration with director George Stevens and her involvement in the casting and production process ensured that the film remained true to her vision. Julie emphasizes Ferber’s commitment to addressing controversial themes, even in Hollywood’s challenging landscape.

6. Jessica Curzane’s Segment: My Last Book

In the latter part of the episode, Jessica Curzane discusses her perspective on choosing a final book to read, bridging the conversation from Ferber to broader literary contemplations.

"One thing that makes this a hard question is that I'm usually reading more than one book at a time..."
- Jessica Curzane (51:19)

Jessica expresses her admiration for both Yiddish literature and classic English works, specifically mentioning Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. She draws parallels between Austen’s and Miriam Karpelov’s observational narratives, underscoring the importance of nuanced character studies in literature.

7. Conclusion

Jack wraps up the episode by thanking Julie and Jessica for their insightful contributions. He hints at future episodes exploring figures like Zora Neale Hurston and delving into diverse literary topics, ensuring listeners have much to look forward to.

Notable Quotes

• Edna Ferber on Writing:

  "Only amateurs say that they write for their own amusement... But amusing? Never."
  - Edna Ferber (00:01)

• Julie Gilbert on Ferber’s Relevance:

  "Edna Ferber was so old that she's new again."
  - Julie Gilbert (07:25)

• Jessica Curzane on Literary Finales:

  "I'm usually reading more than one book at a time... But I'm going to give you one in Yiddish and one in English."
  - Jessica Curzane (51:19)

Key Takeaways

• Edna Ferber’s Impact: Ferber was a trailblazer in American literature, with her works like Showboat and Giant addressing complex social issues and character dynamics.

• Julie Gilbert’s Insights: As Ferber’s great-niece and biographer, Julie offers a deeply personal perspective on Ferber’s life, shedding light on her relentless work ethic, feminist themes, and personal relationships.

• Literary Legacy: The episode underscores Ferber’s enduring legacy and her influence on contemporary literature and adaptations, highlighting the importance of understanding historical literary figures to appreciate their contributions fully.

• Final Book Reflections: Jessica Curzane’s discussion emphasizes the profound connection readers develop with literature, contemplating how final book choices reflect one’s literary journey and personal growth.

This episode serves as both a tribute to Edna Ferber’s literary genius and a thoughtful exploration of the personal bonds that shape an author's work and legacy. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of Ferber’s contributions to literature, enriched by personal anecdotes and expert analysis.