The Eleventh Virgin
What is The Eleventh Virgin about?
The Eleventh Virgin (1924) is Dorothy Day's autobiographical first novel, written before her conversion to Catholicism and her founding of the Catholic Worker movement. The novel follows June Henreddy (a transparent stand-in for Day) through her bohemian years in Greenwich Village, her involvement with radical politics and journalism, her tumultuous love affairs, and the personal crisis that would eventually lead to her spiritual transformation. Day later tried to suppress the book, buying up copies wherever she could find them. It survives as a vivid portrait of bohemian New York and a window into the early life of one of America's most remarkable activists.
Main themes in The Eleventh Virgin
Bohemian New York
The presence of bohemian new york in The Eleventh Virgin connects readers to its enduring relevance.
Autobiographical Fiction
The Eleventh Virgin thoughtfully explores autobiographical fiction through its central conflicts.
1920s Greenwich Village
The Eleventh Virgin thoughtfully explores 1920s greenwich village through its central conflicts.
Radical Politics
In The Eleventh Virgin, radical politics provides a lens for understanding the story's core message.
Why The Eleventh Virgin is still relevant today
This novel provides irreplaceable insight into Dorothy Day's pre-conversion life. It is essential reading for understanding the journey that led to the Catholic Worker movement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Eleventh Virgin about?
Dorothy Day's autobiographical novel about her bohemian youth in Greenwich Village—radical politics, love affairs, and the crisis that preceded her conversion.
Why did Day try to suppress this book?
After her conversion to Catholicism, Day was embarrassed by the novel's frank content and tried to buy up remaining copies.
Where can I read The Eleventh Virgin online?
You can read it free on TextStack.