Gale's satirical novel, published in 1920, describes the awakening of a shy, overworked spinster who rebels against her exploitative family and achieves happiness on her own terms. Lulu's success makes her a rare figure in early twentieth-century literature, which usually punishes the women who challenge socially-imposed gender roles. Following the popular reception of the 1920, Gale adapted the novel into a stage play. For her stage adaptation, Zona Gale became the first woman to win the Pulitzer Prize for drama.