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Judy Blume's Risqué Novel: Fame vs. Fiction
25 Feb
Summary
- Blume's adult novel 'Wifey' explored themes of adultery and lust.
- Critics were divided, but readers flocked to the book's explicit content.
- Media coverage focused on Blume's personal life, overshadowing her work.
In the mid-1970s, Judy Blume experienced personal upheaval, divorcing her first husband and marrying a physicist, Tom Kitchens. During this tumultuous period, she wrote "Wifey," her first novel for adults, which boldly tackled themes of lust and adultery.
This career pivot worried many, but "Wifey" became a bestseller, propelling Blume to greater fame. The novel's explicit content, including fantasies of infidelity, surprised and scandalized many, though some critics praised its realism.
Despite critical reception that was largely unfavorable, "Wifey" resonated with millions of readers drawn to its frank depictions of sexuality. However, the book also highlighted racial and class tensions.
Following "Wifey's" publication in September 1978, popular magazines ran extensive profiles focusing on Blume's personal life and youthful appearance, often overshadowing her literary achievements and contributing to her celebrity persona.
One profile in "People" magazine featured provocative photos and focused on Blume's weight and appearance, a direction Blume later regretted. Another "New York Times Magazine" piece by Joyce Maynard focused on Blume's impact on young readers, largely ignoring "Wifey."
