In the turbulent year of 1942, as the world grappled with the devastating realities of World War II, Rachel Field's poignant novel, 'And Now Tomorrow', emerged as a beacon of hope and resilience for American readers. Released posthumously, it swiftly captivated a nation yearning for stories of personal triumph and enduring spirit amidst widespread uncertainty. Its immediate success wasn't merely a literary event but a cultural phenomenon, offering a much-needed escape and a message of courage that resonated deeply with the contemporary mood, propelling it to become one of the year's top-selling novels and cementing Field's legacy as a beloved storyteller.
What it is
'And Now Tomorrow' tells the moving story of Emily Blair, a young woman from a prominent New England family whose life takes a dramatic turn when she suffers a sudden and profound loss of hearing. This unexpected affliction isolates her, forcing her to retreat from her vibrant social life and grapple with a sense of diminished self. Her journey towards recovery and acceptance is intricately tied to Dr. Mather, a brilliant yet cynical ear specialist who offers a glimmer of hope for her condition. As their professional relationship deepens, Emily finds herself drawn to Mather, navigating not only the challenges of her deafness but also the complexities of love, class differences, and societal expectations in a world irrevocably altered by personal tragedy and looming global conflict. The novel masterfully explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the profound power of human connection.
How it came to be
Rachel Field, already a celebrated author known for her bestseller *All This and Heaven Too* and her Newbery Medal-winning *Hitty, Her First Hundred Years*, embarked on 'And Now Tomorrow' with her characteristic dedication to character-driven narratives. While the specific inspiration for Emily's deafness is not explicitly documented, Field's recurring interest in women overcoming adversity and finding their place in challenging circumstances likely shaped the story. Tragically, Field passed away in March 1942, just months before the book's publication, making 'And Now Tomorrow' her final novel. This posthumous release added a poignant layer to its reception, as readers mourned the loss of a beloved author while celebrating her final, powerful work. The Macmillan Company, her long-standing publisher, handled its release, ensuring it received the attention it deserved.
How many it sold
'And Now Tomorrow' quickly soared to commercial success, earning its place as the Publishers Weekly #4 Bestseller of 1942. This ranking signified substantial sales, likely well over a quarter-million copies, though precise figures from the era are often difficult to pinpoint without specific publisher archives. Its widespread appeal was further amplified by its selection as a Literary Guild choice, a major book club endorsement that guaranteed large print runs and distribution to thousands of subscribers across the country. The novel's robust performance on bestseller lists throughout the year underscored its popularity, demonstrating a strong public appetite for Field's storytelling and the universal themes of perseverance she explored.
Why it resonated
The novel resonated profoundly with its wartime audience, offering a narrative of personal struggle and eventual triumph that mirrored the collective anxieties and hopes of the era. Readers found solace and inspiration in Emily Blair's journey to overcome her deafness, interpreting her resilience as a metaphor for the nation's own challenges. Field’s skillful blend of romance, medical drama, and psychological depth captivated critics and the public alike. While some reviews noted a certain sentimentality, the prevailing sentiment was admiration for Field's empathetic portrayal of disability and her ability to weave a compelling love story against a backdrop of internal and external conflict. The book provided a vital emotional outlet and a comforting vision of a future where difficulties could be overcome, capturing the public's desire for optimism.
Impact today
'And Now Tomorrow' left a notable mark on popular culture, most significantly through its highly anticipated film adaptation released in 1944. Starring the luminous Loretta Young as Emily Blair and the charismatic Alan Ladd as Dr. Mather, the movie brought Field's story to an even wider audience, further solidifying its place in the romantic drama genre of the mid-20th century. While perhaps not as frequently studied as some other literary classics today, the novel remains an important example of wartime fiction and women's fiction, showcasing Rachel Field's enduring talent for crafting engaging and emotionally rich narratives. It stands as a testament to her ability to tap into universal themes of resilience, love, and the human spirit, securing its legacy as a beloved book of its time.
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