Dorothy Baker

About the Author

Dorothy Baker (1907-1968) was an American novelist whose sharp wit and psychological insight illuminated the complexities of human relationships in mid-20th-century America. Born in California, she studied at the University of California, Los Angeles, and later in Paris, where she honed her craft amid the vibrant expatriate literary scene. Baker's debut novel, Young Man with a Horn, drew from jazz culture to explore artistic passion, while her later works delved into themes of identity, desire, and societal constraints. Cassandra at the Wedding (New York Review Books Classics), her acclaimed 1962 novel, captures the turbulent reunion of twin sisters, blending humor and pathos in a narrative that probes the boundaries of self and family. A trailblazer for women writers, Baker's prose remains a testament to her keen observation of the American psyche, influencing generations of readers and authors alike.