Papa's Own Girl: A Novel

Published in 1874, 'Papa's Own Girl' is a feminist utopian novel by Marie Stevens Howland that explores the complexities of childhood and family dynamics. The story follows Clara Forest, a young girl navigating her youth amidst familial obligations and societal expectations in a utopian community inspired by the Fourierist 'Familistère' in France. Howland, a notable figure in 19th-century American radicalism, uses Clara's journey to highlight themes of personal identity, love, and duty, ultimately advocating for women's independence. This novel reflects Howland's experiences in various utopian communities, including those in Mexico and Alabama.