Miss Lulu Bett

Published in 1920, 'Miss Lulu Bett' by Zona Gale tells the story of a spinster named Lulu who lives as a servant to her sister and brother-in-law at the turn of the 20th century. When her brother-in-law's brother, Ninian, unexpectedly proposes, Lulu accepts, only to discover he is already married. This revelation forces Lulu to confront her identity and societal expectations, leading to a pivotal choice about her future. The novel served as the basis for a Pulitzer Prize-winning play, making Gale the first woman to receive the award for drama, and it presents the original, controversial ending that emphasizes Lulu's quest for independence.