"A fine historical novel."
With World War II is almost over and the role of women
will never be the same as they performed jobs that
historically were male only. Three teens are not
concerned with the changes the war fostered on their
gender as they enter Bowling Green University as
freshmen. Each dreams of the future with a man playing a
prominent role so the feminist advances have not fully
taken root. Liz Chase fantasizes about the days when she and her
boyfriend Alan, who attends Georgetown, marry and have
children. Sara Johnson, everyone's best pal, wants someone
to love her forever, but soon will choose between men
competing for her affection. Dottie Cook has a different
attitude towards men as she can give as much, if not more,
than she takes until she finds love for the first time. Though the key cast feel like they came out of the late
1940s mold for teens, historical readers will appreciate
the depth that Patricia Abbott provides to her insightful
tale. The tidbits enhance a deep look at a pivotal moment
with men returning from overseas expecting things to
revert to the way they were while the women have had a
taste of being Rosie the Riveter. The three female
protagonists represent an in between generation while
their male beaus from the basketball star to the
Georgetown senior enable the audience to understand the
confusion they face between a rising feminist movement and
their romantic hopes for the future. Purposely typecast
to bring out the era, ALL OR NOTHING AT ALL is a fine
historical novel. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by PNR Group Member
Posted June 15, 2004
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