Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott with Juliana Soltis

In this episode, we are discussing Ex-Wife by Ursula Parrott, a novel originally published in 1929 and a fascinating account of the experiences of women during the Jazz age. I'm joined by Juliana Soltis, an internationally acclaimed cellist, to discuss the book's continued relevance and its portrayal of female independence during the Jazz Age, akin to a 'Sex and the City' for that era.  We also shed light on Parrott's obscured legacy in contrast to Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby.' Moreover, Juliana speaks about her new album American Woman, which highlights lost works by female composers, underscoring the importance of preserving and celebrating women's contributions to art and culture. We wrap up with a tasty note, enjoying a non-alcoholic gin fizz themed to the novel, reflecting Prohibition-era cocktail culture.

Juliana Soltis is an internationally-acclaimed cellist, specializing in telling the forgotten stories of classical music. Her latest release from PARMA Recordings, American Woman, explores the lost legacy of America's women composers and is now streaming across all platforms. When not on the road or in the recording studio, Juliana makes her home in Richmond's historic Church HIll neighborhood, where she caters to the every whim of her two greyhounds, Rain and Ceci.

Gin Fizz Recipe

• 2 ounces gin (We used Monday NA Gin)

• 1 ounce lemon juice, freshly squeezed

• 3/4 ounce simple syrup

• 1 egg white (about 1/2 ounce)

• Club soda, to top (about 1 ounce)

Directions

1. Add the gin, lemon juice, simple syrup and egg white to a shaker and vigorously dry-shake (without ice) for about 15 seconds.

2. Add 3 or 4 ice cubes and shake vigorously until well-chilled.

3. Double-strain into a chilled Collins glass and top with club soda.

In this Episode

Juliana Soltis’ Website

American Woman Album

Becoming the Ex-Wife by Dr. Marsha Gordon (Ursula Parrott’s Biography)

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Presentation by Dr. Marsha Gordon on Ursula Parrott (we didn’t discuss this in the episode but I found it absolutely fascinating!)

Bright Lights Big City by Jay McInerney