ñPatty and Azaleaî by Carolyn Wells is a charming young adult novel set in early 20th-century New York, centered around the lives of two friends, Patty Fairfield and Azalea Thorpe. The story explores their friendship, social life, and the various adventures they embark on together. As Patty, a lively and socially adept young woman, navigates the intricacies of New York's high society, she meets Azalea, a spirited newcomer with a unique perspective on life. The novel humorously portrays their experiences as they encounter the social dynamics of wealth and society, highlighting the challenges and joys of coming of age in a world filled with expectations. Family ties and relationships play a significant role in the narrative, as both characters grow and develop through their interactions with others. The story is rich in character development, withî Patty and Azaleaî learning important life lessons about friendship, loyalty, and the complexities of social norms. Through light-hearted humor and engaging dialogue, Carolyn Wells crafts a tale that captures the essence of youth, adventure, and the vibrant social scene of New York during this period. ñPatty and Azaleaî is a delightful read that offers a glimpse into the lives of young women as they navigate the transition from adolescence to adulthood.
Carolyn Wells (1862–1942) is best known for her children's books, poetry, and mystery thrillers. Wells, who was raised in Rahway, New Jersey, showed an early aptitude for writing and went on to become a prolific and creative writer. Early in her career, Wells published multiple volumes of poetry and hilarious verse, which helped her establish her reputation as a poet and humourist. But her contributions to the mystery genre—especially her detective novels with well-known sleuths like Fleming Stone and Pennington Wise—are arguably what she is most known for. Wells was a prolific writer as well as an active participant in a number of literary and social groups. She was a member of the Mystery Writers of America and the Poetry Society of America, among other esteemed literary associations. Even though her novels are today regarded as detective fiction masterpieces from the early 20th century, Wells's influence goes beyond the mystery subgenre. She was a talented writer who flourished in a variety of genres, and her body of work still inspires and amuses readers to this day.