And Now Tomorrow

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And Now Tomorrow FilmPoster

And Now Tomorrow is a novel written by Rachel Field, first published in 1942. It tells the story of Emily Blair, a wealthy and beautiful woman who becomes deaf due to an illness. The novel explores themes of disability, love, and overcoming adversity. Emily's journey of self-discovery and her struggle to find a place in a world that often marginalizes those with disabilities form the core of the narrative. The story is set against the backdrop of a small American town in the early 20th century, providing a vivid portrayal of the era's social norms and values.

Plot Summary

Emily Blair is the envy of her small town, blessed with wealth, beauty, and a loving family. However, her perfect world shatters when she contracts an illness that leaves her deaf. Faced with this new reality, Emily struggles to adjust to her condition, feeling isolated from her community and the life she once knew. Her fiancé, Jeff Stoddard, finds it difficult to cope with Emily's deafness, causing tension in their relationship.

In her quest for a cure, Emily meets Dr. Merek Vance, a brilliant but cynical physician who has developed a potential treatment for her condition. Despite their initial differences, Emily and Dr. Vance form a deep connection as they work together to overcome her deafness. Through her interactions with Dr. Vance and the challenges she faces, Emily learns valuable lessons about resilience, empathy, and the true meaning of love.

Themes and Analysis

And Now Tomorrow delves into several significant themes, including the impact of disability on individuals and their relationships, the journey towards self-acceptance, and the transformative power of love. The novel also addresses societal attitudes towards disability, highlighting the prejudice and barriers faced by those with disabilities.

Rachel Field's portrayal of Emily's character offers a nuanced exploration of the psychological effects of sudden disability. Emily's journey from despair to empowerment reflects a broader narrative of overcoming adversity through inner strength and the support of others.

Reception

Upon its release, And Now Tomorrow received positive reviews for its sensitive treatment of disability and its compelling narrative. The novel was praised for its character development and the emotional depth of its story. It has since been recognized as an important work in the genre of disability literature.

Adaptations

The popularity of And Now Tomorrow led to its adaptation into a film in 1944, directed by Irving Pichel and starring Loretta Young and Alan Ladd. The film adaptation closely follows the plot of the novel, though with some modifications to fit the cinematic format.

Legacy

And Now Tomorrow remains a significant work for its early and empathetic portrayal of disability. It continues to be studied for its contributions to disability literature and its reflection of societal attitudes towards disability during the early 20th century.