Jennie Fields

Jennie Fields is an American novelist born in 1953 who has authored five novels, including the internationally bestselling "Atomic Love" and "The Age of Desire," a biographical novel about Edith Wharton. She holds degrees from the University of Illinois and the prestigious Iowa Writers' Workshop. Before dedicating herself to writing fiction, Fields built a successful career in advertising, working as a creative director at major agencies in Chicago and New York. Her advertising work included creating notable McDonald's jingles while at DDB Needham. Fields combines historical settings with intimate character studies in her novels. Her work "The Age of Desire" (2012) explores the life and romantic relationships of author Edith Wharton, while "Atomic Love" delves into Cold War espionage and romance, earning selection as a Book of the Month Club pick. Originally from Chicago and raised in Highland Park, Illinois, Fields brings her diverse background in creative writing, painting, and advertising to her literary work. Her novels often feature strong female protagonists and explore themes of love, ambition, and historical change.

Readers appreciate Fields' deep historical research and her ability to weave real historical figures into compelling narratives. Multiple reviews note her skill at period details, particularly in "Atomic Love" and "The Age of Desire." What readers liked: - Complex female characters dealing with career vs. romance conflicts - Accurate portrayal of post-WWII Chicago settings - Blend of historical events with personal stories - Clear, accessible writing style What readers disliked: - Some found pacing slow in middle sections - Romance elements occasionally overshadow historical plots - Character relationships described as predictable by some readers Ratings across platforms: - Goodreads: "Atomic Love" 3.8/5 (11,000+ ratings) - Goodreads: "The Age of Desire" 3.5/5 (2,000+ ratings) - Amazon: "Atomic Love" 4.3/5 (1,200+ reviews) One reader noted: "Fields excels at creating atmosphere - you can feel the tension of 1950s Chicago." Another wrote: "The romance felt forced compared to the stronger historical elements."

Lily Beach (1997) A coming-of-age story set in 1960s Chicago about a young girl navigating family tensions and first love while spending summers at her grandmother's Lake Michigan beach house.

The Age of Desire (2012) A biographical novel depicting the life of Edith Wharton during her mid-life love affair with journalist Morton Fullerton and her complicated friendship with her literary secretary Anna Bahlmann.

Atomic Love (2020) A Cold War narrative set in 1950s Chicago following a female physicist who becomes entangled in an FBI investigation of her former lover and colleague from the Manhattan Project.

The Middle Ages A novel exploring the journey of a divorced woman rebuilding her life while balancing career ambitions and personal relationships in New York City.

Crossing Brooklyn Ferry A story following a woman's search for identity and belonging in New York City while dealing with family expectations and professional challenges.

Paula McLain McLain writes historical fiction centered on real-life women figures, particularly focusing on their romantic relationships and professional pursuits. Her work "The Paris Wife" explores Ernest Hemingway's first marriage through his wife's perspective, similar to Fields' approach with Edith Wharton.

Lauren Belfer Belfer combines historical settings with scientific themes and complex female characters, as seen in "City of Light" and "A Fierce Radiance." Her work explores similar Cold War era themes and scientific intrigue as Fields' "Atomic Love."

Nancy Horan Horan specializes in biographical fiction about historical figures, particularly examining their personal relationships and inner lives. Her novel "Loving Frank" about Frank Lloyd Wright's mistress shares Fields' attention to historical detail and focus on Chicago-area settings.

Susan Vreeland Vreeland writes novels that merge art history with personal narratives about women pursuing creative work. Her approach to blending historical fact with intimate character studies mirrors Fields' technique in "The Age of Desire."

Melanie Benjamin Benjamin creates fictional accounts of real historical women, focusing on their private lives and professional achievements. Her work "The Aviator's Wife" examines Anne Morrow Lindbergh's life with similar attention to period detail and emotional complexity as Fields' novels.