Eight Books Set in NYC
When I think of books set in New York City, I imagine the New York City of romantic comedies, of people trying to make it in television, modern and fast-paced novels. But those are not the type of books I tend to read, and when I looked back at books I’d read set in NYC I discovered a mix of literary fiction and children’s books with a smattering of mystery and magical realism. I’ll list them in order of their publication date.
The Leavenworth Case by Anna Katherine Green* (1878) - I discovered this early detective novel, the first starring Green’s detective, Ebenezer Gryce (what a name!), whilst working on a reading project with my book club. We chose a mystery/detective story/thriller from each decade from the beginning of the genre, and this was second on our list. Anna Katherine Green was an American writer credited with shaping the framework of the modern detective novel. She herself was born in Brooklyn and was an influence on Agatha Christie.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith* (1943) - I read this classic for the first time last year, and it was different than I expected. I was expecting a coming of age story along the lines of Little Women or Anne of Green Gables, but it is much grittier than those childhood favorites. It is a good picture of what life was like in the early part of the 20th century in Brooklyn. It is such a good representation that when it was published as an Armed Services Edition it was an especially poignant and special read for soldiers from New York. You can read about that in When Books Went to War*.
Stuart Little by E.B. White* (1945) - Stuart is a mouse born to the Little family in New York City (how or why is never really fully explained), and the reader has little glimpses of city life throughout. Most notable to me is the sailboat scene in Central Park.
Mrs. Harris Goes to New York by Paul Gallico* (1960) - Originally published as “Mrs. ‘Arris,” imitating a London cockney accent, this is the charming sequel to Mrs. Harris Goes to Paris. Mrs. Harris is a London charlady (house-cleaner), and she has several adventures after the war is over. The first novel in the series sees her saving her money to by a Christian Dior dress. In this follow-up Mrs. Harris is seeking to re-unite a little boy with his G.I. father back in America. She isn’t exactly sure of his location, but she’s willing to search all of New York to find him.
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler by E.L. Konigsburg* (1967) - In this children’s novel, two siblings run away from home and set-up house in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. I loved following their adventures, and I’m captivated by Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler! Isn’t that a great name?
Rules of Civility by Amor Towles* (2011) - This list came about because I was sharing quotes on Instagram from this historical novel set in the glitz and grit of New York City in the 1930s. Amor Towles is one of my favorite contemporary writers. His thoughtful and perceptive writing makes reading his books a pleasure.
The Lincoln Highway by Amor Towles* (2021) - I love his writing so much he gets a second book on the list! Set in the 1950s, this book covers a road trip from Nebraska to New York City. I’ve only read this once, and I look forward to picking it up again.
The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd* (2022) - I was drawn to this title last summer because I love maps and the sense of adventure they conjure. This book took me by surprise with the direction it took, and I loved it. There’s a love of maps and a found family and heartache and adventure. I look forward to reading this one again, too, to see if it holds up to my memory of it.
And there you have it, eight books set in New York City. I have only spent one day in Manhattan on a layover, but I look forward to visiting again someday.
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