The year was 1893, and a young woman was wending her way through the streets of New York City for the first time. A determination to help provide for her family drove Rose O’Neill to approach various publishing companies to sell her sketches. She had a talent for drawing beautiful images on paper and believed they could generate profits for the periodicals they were placed in. Her talent and her moxie convinced some publishers to buy various drawings from her portfolio, and her ascent to prominence began. The stubborn male chauvinism of the times initially kept her identity camouflaged, but eventually, she revealed herself to the world, and people took notice. Her creation of the Kewpies would garner her more attention and money, but she maintained an altruistic nature that funneled her money to family, friends, and causes.

The author has penned a moving and riveting account of a truly gifted and selfless woman. This biography, with a smidgeon of artistic license, effectively relays the narrative of a pioneer in the labor force and women’s rights. Wahler portrays how O’Neill lived an eventful existence during her nearly seventy years, and her career path would feature both remarkable success and painful drawbacks. However, O’Neill possessed the resolve to see her through most of the turmoil that would surface. Her assertiveness is a prominent feature of the novel and was reflected throughout her life, whether it be in a marriage where she was taken for granted or in business partnerships where she was underestimated. The narrative makes it clear that the path O’Neill took wasn’t the one of least resistance, which only makes her story more extraordinary. Wahler has written an inspiring and unforgettable book.

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Wahler's Pathway to Home was a 2022 Eric Hoffer Book Award Grand Prize Shortlist book.

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