Ann Lane Petry was born on October 12, 1908 in Old Saybrook, Connecticut. She was the second daughter of Peter C. Lane and Bertha James Lane. She grew up middle class in a predominantly white community. Her parents both had a professional status in the community. Her father owned the local drugstore and worked as a pharmacist. Her mother was a licensed chiropodist, and worked also in many other occupations such as a hairdresser, a barber, a manufacturer, and an entrepreneur. This status helped to shield her from a somewhat hostile community environment.
Petry first encountered racial prejudice when she was on a Sunday school outing at the age of seven. This, along with other experiences of racial prejudice and oppression, brought about a feeling of outrage within her. This outrage remained with her for many years. The memories that Petry holds of her family are those of a caring and protective environment. Her parents created an environment that enabled her to survive against the effects of bigotry and isolation.
Article in the NYT about one of Petry’s books: An Author’s Look At 1940’s Harlem Is Being Reissued
The Street
The Street by Ann Petry
African American Literature Book Club
Author information on Ann Petry at the African American Literature Book Club.
Thanks for highlights
Bibliofuture, I just wanted to offer my thanks on these author profiles you are putting out. Keep up the good work!
Thank You.
Thanks Daniel. I really appreciate your comment.
Here are links to the past Spotlights for people that may not have seen them all:
Bruce Catton
Bess Streeter Aldrich
James Agee
Edward Bok