Title: In the Unlikely Event
Author: Judy Blume
First published June 2, 2015
402 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9781101875049 (ISBN10: 1101875046)
Rating: 3.55
Overview
Judy Blume, the renowned author of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret and Summer Sisters, presents her newest novel, In the Unlikely Event.
This poignant story follows three generations of families, friends, and strangers whose lives are forever changed by unforeseeable events. Set in Elizabeth, New Jersey, the novel explores the aftermath of a series of plane crashes that occurred in the early 1950s, when air travel was still a novel concept.
Against the backdrop of these tragedies, Blume tells a haunting tale of love, friendship, and the human spirit’s resilience. With her signature storytelling style, the author paints a vivid picture of a bygone era, complete with Nat King Cole’s unforgettable music, Elizabeth Taylor haircuts, and rumors of Communist threat.
Through all the turmoil, one generation helps another understand that life goes on. In the Unlikely Event is a beautifully crafted novel that captures the essence of Judy Blume’s unparalleled storytelling.
About the Author
Judy Blume grew up in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where she spent much of her childhood creating stories in her mind. As an adult, she has continued to do the same thing, but now she writes them down on paper.
Judy’s books are loved by both adults and children. You may be familiar with some of her titles, such as Are You There God?
It’s Me, Margaret, Blubber, Just as Long as We’re Together, and the Fudge series. Her books have sold over 80 million copies, and have been translated into 31 languages.
She receives many letters each year from readers of all ages who share their feelings and concerns with her.
In 1961, Judy earned a B.S. in education from New York University, which named her a Distinguished Alumna in 1996. That same year, the American Library Association recognized her with the Margaret A.
Edwards Award for Lifetime Achievement. She has also received the Library of Congress Living Legends Award and the 2004 National Book Foundation’s Medal for Distinguished Contribution to American Letters.
Judy is the founder and trustee of The Kids Fund, a charitable and educational foundation. She serves on the boards of the Author’s Guild, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, the Key West Literary Seminar, and the National Coalition Against Censorship.
She is a strong advocate for intellectual freedom and has worked tirelessly with the National Coalition Against Censorship to protect the freedom to read. She is also the editor of Places I Never Meant To Be, Original Stories by Censored Writers.
Judy has completed a series of four chapter books called The Pain & the Great One, which were illustrated by New Yorker cartoonist James Stevenson. She has also co-written and produced a film adaptation of her book Tiger Eyes, and is currently working on a new novel.
Judy and her husband George Cooper live on islands up and down the east coast. They have three grown children and one grandchild.
Editoral Review
In the Unlikely Event by Judy Blume is a captivating historical fiction novel exploring the lives of the residents of Elizabeth, New Jersey during the early 1950s. Blume, a renowned author of young adult fiction, expertly weaves together the stories of multiple characters as they struggle to navigate their personal lives during a tumultuous time in American history.
Set against the backdrop of a series of devastating plane crashes that occurred in Elizabeth in 1951 and 1952, the novel explores themes of loss, grief, and resilience. Through vividly drawn characters, Blume highlights the experiences of residents who witnessed the crashes and the aftermath of their impact on the community.
While centered around the tragic events of the plane crashes, the novel also delves into broader social issues of the time, such as gender roles, class divisions, and racial tensions. The perspectives of different characters, including teenagers, parents, and community leaders, provide a multifaceted portrayal of the complex social landscape of postwar America.
Blume’s prose is emotive and poetic, with an intimate attention to detail that immerses the reader in the world of her characters. The pacing of the novel is deliberate, with a slow build to the central conflict that allows for deeper exploration of the characters and their relationships.
One of the strengths of the novel is its masterful balance of historical accuracy and narrative tension. While grounded in real events, Blume never loses sight of the human drama at the heart of the story.
The novel is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of tragedy. In terms of weaknesses, some readers may find the large cast of characters and shifting perspectives difficult to follow at times.
However, the vivid characterization and emotional depth of the novel ultimately make these minor issues. Overall, In the Unlikely Event is a captivating and poignant novel that offers both an intimate portrayal of a community in crisis and a broader commentary on the social and political climate of the era.
It is a must-read for fans of historical fiction, particularly those interested in the social history of mid-century America. Rating: 4/5 stars.
