The Grain of Dust: A Novel

The Grain of Dust is a novel by David Graham Phillips, first published in 1911. It follows Dorothea Hallowell, a clerk at a prestigious New York law firm, as she navigates the complexities of social class and ambition. The story explores her relationship with Frederick Norman, a charismatic yet married lawyer, revealing the darker undercurrents of their interactions and the impact of office gossip on Dorothea's life. This work highlights the struggles of women in the early 20th century and critiques societal norms surrounding reputation and ambition.