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Shop nowWhen Franny Stands Up
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Learn moreFranny Steinberg knows there’s powerful magic in laughter. She’s witnessed it.
With the men of Chicago off fighting WWII on distant shores, Franny has watched the women of the city taking charge of the war effort. But amidst the war-bond sales and factory shifts, something surprising has emerged, something Franny could never have expected. A new marvel that has women flocking to comedy clubs across the nation: The Showstopper.
When Franny steps into Chicago’s Blue Moon comedy club, she realizes the power of a Showstopper—that specific magic sparked when an audience laughs so hard that they are momentarily transformed. And while each comedian’s Showstopper is different, they all have one thing in common: they only work on women.
After a traumatic flashback propels her onstage in a torn bridesmaid dress, Franny discovers her own Showstopper is something new. And suddenly she has the power to change everything—for herself, for her audience, and for the people who may need it most.
Eden Robins loves writing novels, but they take forever so she also writes short stories and self-absorbed essays. She cohosts a science podcast called No Such Thing as Boring with an actual scientist and coproduces a monthly live lit show in Chicago called Tuesday Funk. Previously, she sold sex toys, wrote jokes for Big Pharma, and once did stand-up comedy for an audience who didn’t boo. She lives in Chicago, has been to the bottom of the ocean, and will never go to space. This is her first novel.
Reviews
“Narrator Lilly Ganser…has many great characterizations, such as the jaded voice of Lottie, the nightclub manager, and Franny’s parents…As the author makes the case that laughter is the best medicine, listeners will indeed laugh.”
“A sharply funny, heartwarming story with strong female characters, exploring religious, racial, and gender identity.”
“Robins overlays her convincing illustration of mid-century social repression of women with a stirring portrayal of Franny…Readers will fall in love with this one.”
“Franny learns what she can stand up for. Further, she learns that communication can be the key to resolving conflict and that holding back can be incredibly damaging to relationships.”
“Funny, unsentimental, brave, and silly without being unserious. What a book!”
“Smart and wickedly funny…a joy-roaring ride through mid-century Chicago.”
“When Franny Stands Up is a riot of a book. Its characters burst with life and wit, even as they bristle against the hard edges of their world.”
“This novel is freaking magic in every way, and it pulls off just about every kind of magic trick you can imagine…I adore Franny.”
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