"Through superb storytelling . . . this is a book that reflects impressive scholarship and research, but that wears its scholarship lightly. It draws upon a wide range of biographical materials, both published and unpublished, including archives and letters, while also featuring, along the way, some illuminating close readings of texts by the featured women authors. . . . I couldn't put it down!"–Margaret D. Stetz, Mae and Robert Carter Professor of Women's Studies and professor of humanities, University of Delaware