In "One Basket" by Edna Ferber, readers are treated to a collection of short stories that provide a delightful glimpse into the lives of various characters. Through Ferber's skillful storytelling, these tales explore the intricacies of human relationships, dreams, and the intricacies of daily existence. The book's narrative diversity spans from the bustling streets of New York City to the quiet rural settings, making each story a unique experience. Themes of love, ambition, and personal growth are woven throughout, painting a vivid picture of American life in the early 20th century. Edna Ferber's masterful prose captures the essence of the human spirit, offering a rich and emotional reading experience for all.

During the Great Depression, society matron Millicent Jordan has bigger problems: she is planning a dinner and Lord and Lady Ferncliff have just accepted. As her daughter Paula's romantic complications mount and her search for an "extra man" to complement former stage star Carlotta Vance proves fruitless, the lady and all her guests are caught in a roundelay of wealth, loss, love, betrayal and the disintegration of the accepted social order. This stage hit originally opened on Broadway in 1932, became a classic MGM film and was later revived at New York's Lincoln Center in 2003 to great acclaim.