Small Changes

I was just a kid during the time this book is set, and it really is a fascinating look at the issues of the day. Piercy gives transcriptions of the kind of "rap sessions" people had, intense conversations debating gender politics. On the other hand, important plot events happen offstage, like one of the main characters' wedding! The book's ending seems to suggest that traditional gender roles doom love-- Miriam and Neil were happy enough until they bought into them-- but the book ends with the pov of the young "other woman." It's unclear whether their marriage really will break up, but the contrast with Beth, in a happy if illicit (they're on the run) lesbian relationship with Wanda, is clear.

I always wanted to write a novel about women in this time, but after I read this book, I stopped thinking about it. Marge Piercy said exactly what I had wanted to say. It's all about the freedom, yet confinment, of the sexual revolution, the questions asked at that time about the real similarities and differences between men and women, i.e., nature versus nurture, etc. Marge P. is a wonderful writer, and I enjoy all her material immensely. The small stories about all people contained in this novel become dear to one's heart.

The publication date of the book doesn't point out that the copyright date is 1973. It wasn't just set in the early 70's- it *was* that time. The time of communes, early gay rights, women's rights- we have so much to thank those people for. For not accepting rape as "just one of those things men do". For being able to love who we wanted, for saying what we mean. Marge Piercy explores some of the issues that "Vida" explored in greater detail; being on the run, set ups for the charge of conspiracy, supporting people who believe as you in spite of never having met them before. *sigh* what an idealistic time. And they needed that idealism to change all that needed changing. By the time I was a college student, we didn't call them communes, they were co-ops. Gardening was just gardening and women were no longer asked personal questions in job interviews anymore- ok, not often. I really appreciate the thoughts and work that went before us. The cat is, btw, a character throughout the book, as cats ought to be in a Marge Piercy novel. And remember, if a character doesn't like cats, you won't like that character, or you shouldn't. :-)

I reread this after 20 years and am amazed that I still find its insights about men and women and the changes that happened in the 70s fresh and thought-provoking. Back then, I loved the book but thought it was a bit male-bashing. Now, I don't think the male characters are stereotypes at all but real representations of what intense, intelligent men are like. Similarly, the female characters remind me of how far women have come. I wish Marge Piercy would write a 90s novel about such fascinating women and their ongoing struggles to have it all. The quality of the writing and character delineations are just fabulous although the plotline may seem slow to some.

I loved Miriam Berg and even though the book left me up in the air I felt like she's going to be just fine. All the issues of feminism in the 70's came back to me. I was there. We made it through. I've been a fan of Piercy's poetry for years, especially "The Moon is Always Female." This is the first of her novel's I've read. Looking forward to more. Several friends loved "Woman on the Edge of Time", so I'll try it next.