Dawn O'Hara: The Girl Who Laughed

In Short

Dawn O'Hara: The Girl Who Laughed is a humorous and heartwarming novel by Edna Ferber, following the adventures of Dawn O'Hara, a spirited and independent journalist. After a health scare, Dawn leaves New York for a quieter life in Michigan, where she stays in a series of boarding houses, each filled with quirky characters and unexpected situations. Through her experiences, Dawn navigates love, loss, and self-discovery, all while pursuing her passion for writing. The novel is a delightful blend of humor, romance, and introspection, offering a vivid portrayal of early 20th-century life and the challenges faced by a woman determined to forge her own path.

The Story

Dawn O'Hara: The Girl Who Laughed opens with Dawn O'Hara recovering from a health scare in a New York boarding house. Feeling the need for a change, she moves to Michigan to live with her married sister. However, the quiet life doesn't suit her, and she soon finds herself in a series of boarding houses, each with its own unique cast of characters.

In her first boarding house, Dawn meets a variety of individuals, including a group of women who are both fascinated and suspicious of her independent lifestyle. She also encounters Dr. Ernst von Gerhard, a kind and insightful physician who becomes a close friend and confidant. Despite her initial reluctance, Dawn begins to write a book, finding solace and purpose in her work.

As the story progresses, Dawn moves to Milwaukee, where she stays at the Knapf's boarding house, a place steeped in German culture. Here, she befriends Blackie, a charming and illiterate Welshman who works at the local newspaper. Blackie becomes a source of support and camaraderie, and Dawn's letters to her sister are filled with stories of his antics and kindness.

Dawn's life takes a dramatic turn when she becomes involved in the lives of the Nirlangers, a couple whose marriage is marked by cruelty and unhappiness. She tries to help Frau Nirlanger, but her efforts are met with resistance from the husband, Konrad. The situation leaves Dawn deeply affected, and she begins to reflect on her own life and relationships.

Throughout the novel, Dawn's writing becomes a central focus. She submits her book to a publisher and is overjoyed when it is accepted. This success gives her the confidence to pursue her dreams more vigorously, and she begins to see her writing as a means to financial independence.

However, Dawn's personal life remains complicated. She is drawn to Peter Orme, a former lover who has fallen on hard times. Despite her better judgment, she finds herself unable to resist his charm, even as his behavior becomes increasingly erratic and dependent. The relationship takes a toll on Dawn, both emotionally and financially, and she struggles to balance her desire for independence with her feelings for Peter.

The novel reaches its climax when Dawn receives news that her book has been accepted for publication. This success gives her the strength to make a difficult decision: she leaves Peter, realizing that their relationship is unhealthy and unsustainable. With the support of her friends, including Blackie and Dr. von Gerhard, Dawn embids on a new chapter in her life, determined to focus on her writing and her own happiness.

The story concludes with Dawn returning to the newspaper office, where she is welcomed back by her colleagues. She visits Blackie's office, where she finds his old coat hanging in its usual place, a symbol of their enduring friendship. As she leaves, she feels a sense of closure and renewed purpose, ready to face the future with confidence and laughter.

How It Unfolds

The Smash-Up: Dawn recovers from a health scare in a New York boarding house, setting the stage for her move to Michigan. Dawn Develops a Heimweh: Feeling homesick and restless, Dawn begins to write a book, finding purpose in her work. The Absurd Becomes Serious: Dawn moves to Milwaukee, where she stays at the Knapf's boarding house and meets Blackie, a charming and supportive friend. A Tragedy of Gowns: Dawn becomes involved in the lives of the Nirlangers, witnessing the cruelty of Konrad and the unhappiness of his wife, which deeply affects her. Bennie the Consoler: Dawn forms a bond with Bennie, a young boy in juvenile court, whose story touches her heart. Peter Orme: Dawn's former lover reappears, and despite her reservations, she finds herself drawn back into a complicated and unhealthy relationship. A Turn of the Wheel: Dawn's book is accepted for publication, giving her the strength to leave Peter and focus on her writing. Blackie's Vacation Comes: Blackie takes a vacation, leaving Dawn to reflect on their friendship and its importance in her life. Happiness: Dawn returns to the newspaper office, feeling a sense of closure and renewed purpose, ready to embrace her future.

The People

Dawn O'Hara: A spirited and independent journalist who navigates love, loss, and self-discovery while pursuing her passion for writing. Dr. Ernst von Gerhard: A kind and insightful physician who becomes Dawn's close friend and confidant, offering her support and guidance. Blackie (Griffith): A charming and illiterate Welshman who works at the local newspaper and becomes one of Dawn's closest friends. Peter Orme: Dawn's former lover, whose charm and erratic behavior draw her back into a complicated and unhealthy relationship. Frau Nirlanger: A woman trapped in an unhappy marriage, whose situation deeply affects Dawn and prompts her to reflect on her own life. Bennie: A young boy in juvenile court whose story touches Dawn's heart and reinforces her empathy and kindness.

In Its Own Voice

"I’m very well, thank you," she said, smiling, "and I came in at the door, of course."

This line from the striped nurse highlights Dawn's wit and resilience, setting the tone for her character.

"Eggs! I snorted. “Eggs! Thousands of ’em! Eggs hard and soft boiled, poached and fried, scrambled and shirred, eggs in beer and egg-noggs, egg lemonades and egg orangeades, eggs in wine and eggs in milk, and eggs au naturel."

Dawn's humorous complaint about the excessive eggs in her diet showcases her lively personality and ability to find humor in adversity.

What It's Really About

At its core, Dawn O'Hara: The Girl Who Laughed is about the pursuit of independence and self-discovery in a world that often tries to define women by their relationships. Dawn's journey is one of resilience, as she navigates the challenges of love, loss, and career, all while maintaining her sense of humor and optimism. The novel explores themes of friendship, the power of writing, and the importance of finding one's place in the world. It also highlights the complexities of human relationships, particularly the tension between personal freedom and emotional attachment.

Why Read It Today

Dawn O'Hara: The Girl Who Laughed is a delightful read for anyone who enjoys witty, character-driven stories. Edna Ferber's prose is lively and engaging, making it easy to become immersed in Dawn's world. The novel's portrayal of early 20th-century life, particularly the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated society, offers a fascinating historical perspective. Dawn's independence and determination to forge her own path are inspiring, and her relationships with the quirky characters she meets add depth and humor to the story. While the novel reflects some period attitudes that may seem outdated today, its themes of resilience, friendship, and self-discovery remain timeless. Readers will find themselves laughing with Dawn, rooting for her successes, and reflecting on the universal struggles of finding one's place in the world.