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Barnes & Noble Book of the Year 2026 Winners Shop NowBarnes & Noble Book of the Year 2026 Winners Shop Now
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Choose a career or choose a family: Ward’s 1877 novel exposes and eviscerates the false dichotomy of modern womanhood

Avis Dobell is a talented young painter on the rise, working to establish herself, when she meets professor Philip Ostrander. Though she has sworn to never marry and at first rejects her suitor, she relents after he returns wounded from the Civil War. Ultimately, Avis fills her days with thoughts of doilies and daycare instead of paints and palettes. Following Avis’ struggles...