"Stella Dallas" is a novel written by Olive Higgins Prouty in 1923. The story follows the life of Stella, a working-class woman who struggles to provide a better future for her daughter, Laurel. Stella's desire for social acceptance and her tumultuous relationships highlight the challenges faced by women in early 20th-century America. The novel was adapted into several films, with the most notable version released in 1937, starring Barbara Stanwyck. This adaptation received critical acclaim and showcased themes of sacrifice, love, and the complexities of motherhood. "Stella Dallas" remains a significant work in American literature and film history.