"Alice Adams", novel by Booth Tarkington and published in 1921, is a fascinating story awarded the Pulitzer Prize for best novel in 1922.
A social climber, the title character is ashamed of her unsuccessful middle-class family. Hoping desperately to belong with the people of "high society" who live in her town, Alice tries to attract a wealthy husband lying about her background, but she is found out and is shunned by those whom she sought to attract. At the novel’s end, she knows her chances for happiness and a successful marriage are bleak, but she remains unbowed. Alice's resiliency of spirit makes her one of Booth Tarkington's most compelling characters.
