The Dollmaker

The Dollmaker is a novel by Harriette Arnow, published in 1954. It tells the story of Gertie Nevels, a woman from rural Kentucky, and her family's move to Detroit during World War II. The novel explores their struggles with urban life, cultural differences, and personal tragedy. Gertie, a strong and loving mother, finds a way to sustain her family financially and emotionally through carving dolls, even as she faces immense hardship, including the death of a child. The book is noted for its realistic portrayal of individual character, family life, and the importance of land and community, while also challenging Appalachian stereotypes. The novel was later adapted into a TV movie starring Jane Fonda.1