The Princess of 72nd Street: A Novel, Modern Library Torchbearers BY Elaine Kraf

The Princess of 72nd Street is a provocative and thoroughly feminist cult classic, returning to print for the first time in over a decade. Originally published in 1979, this novel by Elaine Kraf offers a deeply original and witty exploration of mental health and female agency.

Set in 1970s New York, the story follows Ellen, a single artist living on the Upper West Side. Ellen leads two distinct lives. In her everyday existence, she grapples with the challenges and constraints of her time. But periodically, she descends into episodes she calls "radiances," during which she transforms into Princess Esmeralda. Under the influence of the radiance, Ellen experiences life as Esmeralda—weightless, liberated, and free from conflict. West 72nd Street becomes her kingdom, a realm where she rules with vibrant, colorful authority.

These episodes provide Ellen with a temporary escape from the monotony and limitations of her ordinary life. However, her transformation into Esmeralda also threatens those around her, particularly the men who feel unsettled by her freedom and the powerful persona she embodies.

Kraf’s final published work before her passing, The Princess of 72nd Street challenges conventional notions of mental illness and female empowerment. Its iconoclastic approach and sharp, insightful narrative make it a remarkable portrait of a woman asserting her autonomy in a world that seeks to confine her. This novel remains a significant and bold reflection on the struggles and triumphs of living authentically.