The loyalties of Ms. Bergstein,...lie firmly with Ms. Blume. She writes with sympathy of the author’s dismay at the Reagan-era pushback and with considerable heat of the efforts by conservative parents and activists today to get ideological and sexually explicit books out of school libraries.
Bergstein’s groundbreaking book is analytical, smart and accessible, ultimately demonstrating how Blume’s work has contributed to ongoing cultural shifts across multiple generations of women.
Bergstein occasionally digresses, devoting more time to kindred spirit Norma Klein’s work than feels necessary, and she sidesteps opportunities to defend Blume’s writing against critics who complain about low literary quality. Nevertheless, readers can’t help but come away with a renewed appreciation for Blume and her legacy. A timely appreciation.
Satisfying ... Bergstein offers a thoughtful take on how Blume’s life and books translated for young people the gains of the women’s movement. Blume’s fans will treasure this.
