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

The Princess of 72nd Street by Elaine Kraf, now reissued after a decade, is a provocative and thoroughly feminist cult classic that explores mental health and female agency through the lens of its extraordinary protagonist. Set in 1970s New York, the novel follows Ellen, a single artist living alone on the Upper West Side, who experiences episodes she calls “radiances.” During these episodes, Ellen transforms into Princess Esmeralda, reigning over West 72nd Street as her vibrant, liberating alter ego.

In her role as Esmeralda, Ellen finds an escape from the constraints of her everyday life. These periods of “radiance” offer her a reprieve from the chaos and stigma of mental health struggles, allowing her to live freely and joyfully in a world of her own making. However, this freedom and the persona of Esmeralda threaten those around her, particularly the men in her life, who feel destabilized by her vibrant transformation.

Published in 1979, The Princess of 72nd Street stands out as an original, witty, and inventive work that tackles issues of mental health and female autonomy with a sharp, insightful perspective. Kraf’s final published work offers a remarkable portrait of Ellen, an unforgettable woman whose dual existence and the conflict between her two worlds highlight the broader struggles faced by women seeking to assert their individuality and agency in a restrictive society.