Fri, Apr 24, 2026 – I’m reading The Princess of 72nd Street, by Elaine Kraf now. Join me if you can. I’ve started writing a few short reviews and the main book review is at the link.

The woman narrator has lofty ideals. She thinks she is The Princess of 72nd Street. She talks about walking through her neighborhood and how her “subjects” treat her with respect and reverence. Ellen says her real name is Princess Esmeralda. She has gone through at least 7 episodes of radiance, that is, the manic parts of the manic-depression cycles. During her high episodes, she likes to wear colorful skirts and no blouse. She dances in the street. She imagines she has thin veils over her chest. Consequently, she gets arrested for indecent exposure. She is often sent to the hospital, and injected with medication, to bring down her radiance.

Ellen, aka Princess Esmeralda, has dated many men, because they are all unsuitable for her. She tries to find her needle in a haystack. Her boyfriends pleaded to give their relationship a second try. Ellen is tired and declines. Alan, one of her former boyfriends, has amended his ideals and behaviors. He pleads with Ellen to give them another chance. Ellen likes an ex-boyfriend who is a magician and illusionist, because he is exciting and entertaining, but he is unsuitable for her.

I won’t reveal the ending in this post.