673 Edna Ferber (with Julie Gilbert) | My Last Book with Jessica Kirzane

Jan 27, 2025

Julie Gilbert, an author and educator known for her biography on Edna Ferber, shares fascinating insights into Ferber's vibrant life among the Algonquin Round Table and her enduring works like 'Giant' and 'Showboat.' The discussion reveals Ferber's influence in both literature and Hollywood, exploring themes of women's experiences and social advocacy. Personal anecdotes highlight Gilbert's unique connection to Ferber as her grandniece. Additionally, Yiddish literature expert Jessica Kirzane shares her thoughts on the last book she'll ever read, enriching the conversation with literary depth.

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Intro

00:00 • 3min

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Exploring the Legacy of Edna Ferber

02:57 • 3min

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The Legacy of Edna Ferber

06:13 • 13min

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A Personal Reflection on Edna Ferber

19:36 • 2min

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Reflections on Edna Ferber

22:03 • 11min

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Exploring Edna Ferber and 'Giant'

33:21 • 12min

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Legacy and Loneliness: Exploring Edna Ferber's Influence

45:09 • 13min

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Upcoming Episodes and Podcast Promotions

Giant is Edna Ferber's novel that explores the lives of Texans in the 1950s, revealing the difficulties and persecutions faced by minority populations. The story centers around Jordan 'Bick' Benedict, a larger-than-life cattle rancher, and Leslie Lynnton, a sharp-witted Virginia socialite, whose marriage brings them to Bick's ranch in Texas. Leslie confronts the oppressive heat, vastness, and social inequities of Texas, including poverty and racism suffered by Mexican workers. The novel masterfully captures the essence of Texas with its wealth, excess, cruelty, prejudice, pride, and violence.

So Big

Edna Ferber

The story follows Selina Peake De Jong, who decides to become a school teacher in a farming community. She marries a Dutch farmer, Pervus De Jong, and they have a son, Dirk, nicknamed 'So Big.' After Pervus's death, Selina takes over the farm to ensure her son's future. The novel explores Dirk's journey as he becomes an architect and later a stockbroker, while grappling with his mother's values of aesthetics and beauty. The story also involves characters like Roelf Pool, a sculptor, and Dallas O'Mara, an artist, who influence Dirk's perspective on life. Ultimately, the novel is a tale of one woman's unrelenting devotion to hope, beauty, and possibility.

Giant Love

Edna Ferber, Her Best-Selling Novel of Texas, and the Making of a Classic American Film

Julie Gilbert

The Collected Stories of Yenda Srdatsky

Published in 1813, 'Pride and Prejudice' is a novel that revolves around the lives of the Bennet family, particularly the second eldest daughter, Elizabeth. The story is set in the early 19th century and explores themes of love, societal expectations, and personal growth. The novel centers on Elizabeth's tumultuous relationship with the wealthy and proud Mr. Darcy, whose initial arrogance and reserve gradually give way to a deeper understanding and mutual respect. Through their interactions, both characters learn to overcome their prejudices and flaws, leading to a transformative journey of self-discovery and redemption. The novel also delves into the societal pressures on women to secure marriages, the importance of family, and the nuances of social hierarchy during the British Regency period.

Showboat

The Life of Kobe Bryant

Roland Lazenby

In 'Showboat: The Life of Kobe Bryant', Roland Lazenby provides a comprehensive and detailed portrait of Kobe Bryant. The book covers Bryant's life from his ancestral influences and childhood, where he was exposed to basketball through his father Joe Bryant, to his illustrious career with the Los Angeles Lakers. Lazenby uses extensive research and numerous interviews to reveal the complexities of Bryant's public image, his personal life, and his relationships on and off the court. The biography is praised for its thoroughness and engaging writing, making it an essential read for basketball fans and those interested in sports biographies.

Novelist and playwright Edna Ferber (1885-1968) lived a wondrous life: residing in Manhattan as a member of the famed Algonquin Round Table, writing a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel (So Big), and producing works that Hollywood turned into twentieth-century classics, including the Kern & Hammerstein musical Show Boat and George Stevens's Giant, starring Elizabeth Taylor, Rock Hudson, and James Dean. Along the way, she also served as a caretaker and mentor for her grandniece, who was wowed by her great aunt's style, presence, and celebrity connections. In this episode, Jacke talks to Julie Gilbert, that little girl who grew up to become a writer herself, about her new book Giant Love: Edna Ferber, Her Best-Selling Novel of Texas, and the Making of a Classic American Film. PLUS Jacke talks to Yiddish literature expert Jessica Kirzane about her choice for the last book she will ever read.

Additional listening:

567 Your Dream Guest: Jessica Kirzane on Translating Yiddish Literature
316 Willa Cather (with Lauren Marino)
64 Dorothy Parker (with Mike Palindrome)

The music in this episode is by Gabriel Ruiz-Bernal. Learn more at gabrielruizbernal.com.

Help support the show at patreon.com/literature or historyofliterature.com/donate. The History of Literature Podcast is a member of Lit Hub Radio and the Podglomerate Network. Learn more at thepodglomerate.com/historyofliterature.

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