The Woman Who Tried to Be Good and Other Stories by Edna Ferber, Fiction, Literary

The protagonist's transformation from a notorious figure to a striving good woman is central to the narrative. Once a striking presence in her luxurious attire, she experienced social ostracism, as neither men nor women acknowledged her. Her unique beauty and fashion, highlighted by her rare mink coat and exceptionally small shoes, contrast sharply with her reputation. The story explores themes of redemption, societal judgment, and the complexities of female identity in a small town.