Lark, Radio Singer

by Helen Diehl Olds

256 pages

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1946

About the author

Olds wrote adventure stories, biographies and educational books on such subjects as frozen-food processing and driver education that were widely used in schools. She also wrote several "Career Romances for Young Moderns" popular among young adults in the 1940s and 1950s.

She was a frequent contributor to the "Every Day Adventure Stories" published by Julian Messner. Typical titles of her books were "Krista and the Frosty Packages," "Fisherman Jody," "What Is a Cousin?," "Christmas Tree Sam" and "The Little Ship That Went to Sea."

She also wrote biographies of Columbus and Adm. Richard E. Byrd, the Arctic explorer. Her book "Richard M. Nixon," published in 1970, was her last.

She also taught writing at Hofstra University and Queens College. Surviving are two sons, Jerry and Bob; five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I initially discovered the "Romance for Young Moderns" series in my childhood library; when the library discarded them, I snapped them up. Lark, Radio Singer is a fascinating bit of YA history, in no small part for how it discusses the radio business, something which has largely gone the way of the dodo (or, less grimly, the podcast). Since my father worked in radio from the business end and my great-aunt was a Yiddish radio soap opera actress in Montreal, the insight it provides into the media form is particularly interesting to me.

But for readers without that background, the content remains equally fascinating. Parallels between Lark's ambition to sing on the radio and modern books about wanting to go to into film. Backstabbing, earnest ambition, and racism all play a part, that last represented by Lark's accompanist, Harriet, a Black woman. This is where things get a bit sticky for modern readers, as Lark, who hails from the South and grew up with a Black caregiver, is portrayed as being less prejudiced than New Yorkers who, apparently in 1944, rarely interact with Black people. Lark is the only person willing to give Harriet the initial chance she needs, and the two make their breakout by repurposing the "Glory Songs" Lark learned from Beulah, the Black woman who raised her. Today this reads as appropriation; it's clearly meant to read as honoring Beulah and Black musical traditions. Be sure to put on your History Goggles when reading.

I do think it's still a book worth reading, though. I enjoyed it just as much this time as I did when I was a kid in the 90s, and Olds' writing is very good. If nothing else, this shows how well-intentioned authors attempted to point out the evils of racism while presenting a picture of a bygone art industry.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the first titles published in the "Career Romances for Young Moderns" series by Julian Messner. Set during World War II, it tells the story of young Lark Reynolds, who comes to New York City to pursue a career as a radio singer. She attends the Radio City School of the Air; learns the importance of diction and singing technique; and makes interesting friends. Lark works hard at learning her career, even as she faces frustrations and setbacks, (success will not come easily for her, but in small ways, adding to the realism of this story). A wonderful story, with a heartwarming surprise at the end. Loved it.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the first titles published in the "Career Romances for Young Moderns" series by Julian Messner. Set during World War II, it tells the story of young Lark Reynolds, who comes to New York City to pursue a career as a radio singer. She attends the Radio City School of the Air; learns the importance of diction and singing technique; and makes interesting friends. Lark works hard at learning her career, even as she faces frustrations and setbacks, (success will not come easily for her, but in small ways, adding to the realism of this story). A wonderful story, with a heartwarming surprise at the end. Loved it.