American writer William Dean Howells is the author of the book Fennel and Rue. The novel, which debuted in 1870, centers on the friendship and flat mate relationship between Fennel and Rue, two young ladies living in New York City. Rue is an accomplished writer who finds it difficult to succeed in a field that is controlled by men, whereas Fennel is a stunning and driven actor. The book looks at issues of friendship, love, ambition, and the difficulties women in the 19th century experienced. As Fennel becomes well-known for her performances, Rue is dragged into a convoluted romantic triangle with two men who give her opposing routes to success. Fennel and Rue is still regarded as a classic piece of American literature because of its detailed depiction of life in 19th-century New York and its thoughtful examination of women's responsibilities in society. Howells was an American realist writer who died in 1908. He contributed to several magazines, such as Harper's Magazine and Atlantic Monthly. Following the release of his debut realist book, A Modern Instance, his career took off. The book opens with this: Verrian's success did not arrive quickly or easily.