Book Featured: What the Lady Wants by Renee Rosen
Step back into the Gilded Age of Chicago right here in Evanston! Learn all about the founding of Marshall Field’s during this illuminating book presentation by acclaimed historical fiction author Renee Rosen.
Beginning with the devastation of the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, What the Lady Wants follows Delia Spencer, a privileged young socialite whose life takes an unconventional turn when she meets her neighbor, Marshall Field. The novel blends real historical figures and events—including the rebuilding of Chicago, the opulence of the Gilded Age, and the development of the revolutionary concept of the modern department store.
Explore the vibrant, late-nineteenth-century world of Marshall Field, the visionary retail tycoon who built an empire on his famous motto: "Give the lady what she wants."
Hear the Author Discuss:
The Rise of the American Department Store: How Marshall Field transformed shopping into an experience and how his vision changed women's roles at that pivotal time.
Chicago's Transformation: The city is a major character, changing from a pioneer town destroyed by the Great Fire to the gleaming "White City" of the 1893 World's Fair. How does this period of immense growth and change mirror the personal transformations of the characters?
Wealth, Power, and Gender Roles: The novel explores the lives of the "robber barons" and the restricted lives of the women who married them. How does Delia challenge or conform to the gender roles of the late 19th century?
Our Unique Historical Link
The rich period captured in What the Lady Wants creates an extraordinary connection to The Woman's Club of Evanston's founding history. Established in 1889 as families migrated north after the Chicago Fire, our club's roots run parallel to society and ambition depicted in this novel.
Net proceeds to this event will be earmarked to support The Woman’s Club of Evanston’s Community Grants Fund.
Registration Fee: $25 - Online Credit Card Registration Only (no checks)
Doors open: 1:00 pm
Light fare - 1:00 - 1:30 pm
Book Presentation by Renee Rosen 1:30 - 2:15 pm
Book signing and clubhouse tour - 2:15 - 3:00 pm
Buy your book in advance using this link:The Book Stall
Books will also be available on the day of the event.