Patience Sparhawk and Her Times

The author, known for her novels set in California, explored themes of feminism, politics, and war through various forms of writing, including essays and short stories. Her notable work, Black Oxen, gained popularity and inspired a silent film adaptation. Atherton faced personal challenges, including familial ostracism after revealing her authorship of her first serialized work. Her literary journey began in 1882 and included travels to New York and London, with her first novel published in 1888 under a pseudonym.