Humoresque

by Fannie Hurst

This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the original. Due to its age, it may contain imperfections such as marks, notations, marginalia and flawed pages. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions that are true to the original work.

284 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Fannie Hurst was born in Ohio, grew up in St. Louis and spent her adult life in New York City. She is the author of 17 novels and more than 250 short stories, as well as plays, screenplays, memoirs, essays and articles. Her best-remembered works are those turned into films, including: Imitation of Life, Back Street, Humoresque, The Younger Generation, and Young at Heart. She was active in a variety of progressive Jewish, social justice, labor, peace and women’s organizations. A lifelong philanthropist, Hurst willed her considerable estate to her alma mater Washington University and to Brandeis University.

Reviews

[Carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A touching story of a boy from a poor immigrant family who grows up to be a famous violinist when suddenly World War I breaks out. I very much enjoyed the parents' dialogue in this story.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am listening to Dvořák: Humoresque No. 7 now as I write. I find the beginning, which has been used for comedy, to be rather irritating, but the middle portion is beautiful. We will never know the fate of Leon Kantor, but he stands out not simply as a great violinist, but as a Jewish immigrant who chooses to serve in WWI in gratitude for America and to fight authoritanianism from which his family fled. At a time when Agent Orange has turned "immigrant" into a dirty word, this is a great reminder that the wars to defend this nation were all fought by the descendents of people who came to this country for a better life all the way back to the Revolutionary War. (Plus, of course, the Native Americans who were often the bravest of all - read about the Navajoy Codetalkers!! Sadly our military was segregated through WWII and still is prejudiced against homosexuality. When people are willing to die for a country that used to stand for democracy and freedom of speech, all should be welcomed and blessed . The full title of this story is: Humoresque, A Laugh on Life with a Tear Behind It. It certainly ends with tears and fear. Kristi & Abby Tabby

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

A genius musician born in a regular family as respond to her mother’s prayer. When the war starts, he leaves his violin and joins the army leaving his mother heartbroken.