In a world where the city above reaches breathtaking heights, its inhabitants grapple with the harsh realities lurking in its shadowy depths. Vertical City is a powerful anthology of six short stories by Fannie Hurst, each one a poignant exploration of urban despair and resilience. Through a gritty and dramatic lens, Hurst unveils tales of unwed mothers and women navigating the treacherous waters of poverty and isolation. A mothers love may be fierce, but in the face of an unforgiving environment, can it truly safeguard her childs future? This collection includes the gripping stories She Walks In Beauty, Back Pay, The Vertical City, The Smudge, Guilty, and Roulette. Summary by Lisa Reichert.