Hilma Wolitzer Criticism
Hilma Wolitzer, an American novelist born in 1930, is celebrated for her keen ability to illuminate the profound within the mundane experiences of everyday life, whether through her adult or young adult fiction. Her works frequently explore themes of introspection, independence, and love through richly developed characters. In her debut novel, Ending, Wolitzer depicts the emotional journey of a young suburban homemaker grappling with her husband's terminal cancer. Critics have praised its compelling narrative for its stark realism and emotional depth, with some speculating about its autobiographical nature as noted by Margaret Ferrari, amongst others like Doris Grumbach and R. Z. Sheppard.
In contrast, Introducing Shirley Braverman, her first young adult novel set in Brooklyn during World War II, draws from Wolitzer's own adolescence but has been critiqued for lacking the psychological depth of her other works. While reviewers such as Carolyn Johnson acknowledge its strengths in characterization, others like Bettijane Zetterberg and Joyce Bermel highlight its predictable narrative and limited engagement with broader historical themes.
Contents
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Fiction: 'Ending'
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In the following essay, Martin Levin examines Hilma Wolitzer's novel "Ending," highlighting its exploration of a young wife's emotional journey as she anticipates her husband's death from a terminal illness, and notes the universal and unique aspects of her experiences.
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On Dying and Other Matters
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In the following essay, Doris Grumbach praises Hilma Wolitzer's novel Ending for its powerful portrayal of the painful realities of dying from cancer, noting its compelling narrative and exceptional writing that blurs the line between fiction and personal experience.
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'Liebestod' in Rego Park
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In the following essay, R. Z. Sheppard commends Wolitzer's "Ending" as a remarkably well-crafted novel that employs realism to evoke subtle surprises and nuances, distinguishing itself from personal experiences and eschewing the bitter cynicism typically associated with Hemingway's perspective on life and death.
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Book Reviews: 'Ending'
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In the following essay, Margaret Ferrari argues that Hilma Wolitzer's novel Ending is a distinguished entry in literature about dying, highlighting the novel's portrayal of Sandy Kaufman's emotional journey as she engages deeply with her husband Jay's terminal illness, enriched by humor and the heroine's resilience.
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The Book Review: 'Introducing Shirley Braverman'
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In the following essay, Carolyn Johnson critiques Introducing Shirley Braverman by emphasizing its weak storyline due to the lack of a dominant issue, while acknowledging its strengths in characterization, particularly noting the humorous and poignant portrayal of Shirley and her brother Theodore.
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'Introducing Shirley Braverman'
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In the following essay, Cynthia Herbert critiques Hilma Wolitzer's "Introducing Shirley Braverman" for lacking the rich detail necessary to elevate it above other typical "girls" books, despite its pleasantness.
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'Introducing Shirley Braverman'
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In the following essay, Bettijane Zetterberg critiques Hilma Wolitzer's novel, Introducing Shirley Braverman, arguing that while the characterizations are strong and credible, the predictable plot and unrealistic outcomes undermine the novel's potential as a compelling work of juvenile fiction.
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For Young Readers: 'Introducing Shirley Braverman'
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In the following essay, Joyce Bermel critiques Hilma Wolitzer's "Introducing Shirley Braverman" for its nostalgic tone and lack of depth in addressing larger historical events, contrasting it with more engaging works like Marilyn Sachs's "A Pocket Full of Seeds."
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Frankness and a Sense of Purpose
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In the following essay, Susannah Clapp discusses Hilma Wolitzer's novel Ending, highlighting its unsentimental examination of the protagonist's husband's death from cancer, and explores themes of mortality and retrospection amidst the inevitable pathos of hindsight.
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'Out of Love'
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In the following essay, Glenda Broughton praises Hilma Wolitzer's ability to blend humor, warmth, and compassion in "Out of Love," emphasizing the realistic development of the plot and characters, and noting the story's appeal to young adolescents through its portrayal of relatable experiences and emotional growth.
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'Out of Love'
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In the following essay, Cyrisse Jaffee praises Hilma Wolitzer's novel Out of Love for its competent writing style, believable characters, and effective portrayal of valuable life lessons such as the importance of family and friendship.
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New Titles for Children and Young People: 'Out of Love'
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In the following essay, Sutherland commends Hilma Wolitzer's Out of Love for its credible portrayal of adolescent maturity, emphasizing themes of love, acceptance, and recovery, while also highlighting its perceptive character development and vibrant writing style.
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Substitutes
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In the following essay, Anatole Broyard examines Hilma Wolitzer's "In the Flesh," highlighting the theme of resilience and self-discovery in the face of abandonment, while arguing that the novel's strength lies in its portrayal of Paulette as a nuanced and enterprising character navigating loneliness with dignity.
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A Sane Housewife
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In the following essay, Raymond Sokolov praises Hilma Wolitzer's In the Flesh for its portrayal of the protagonist Paulette, drawing parallels to Emma Bovary and highlighting Wolitzer's skillful use of language to depict the complexities and underlying pain of everyday life in a humorous and poignant manner.
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Fine Print: 'In the Flesh'
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In the following essay, Doris Grumbach praises Hilma Wolitzer's novel In the Flesh for its witty and superb storytelling, highlighting its depiction of a woman's life within the family structure and its satirical treatment of contemporary issues, with a strong focus on the protagonist's unique voice.
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'Toby Lived Here'
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In the following essay, Jeanette Cohn argues that Hilma Wolitzer's Toby Lived Here effectively tackles the theme of emotional disorders through the empathetic portrayal of a young girl's secretiveness about her mother's mental illness, appealing to both adolescent and wider audiences.
Criticism by Hilma Wolitzer
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Living with a Father's Erratic Will
John McGahern Criticism
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Women at War
Marge Piercy Criticism
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Child of Two Cultures
Barbara Kingsolver Criticism
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Death Before Dying
James A. Michener Criticism
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Richard Russo's Tale of a Reckless Father and a Sensitive Son
Richard Russo Criticism
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Fables of Identity, Parables of Passion
Joanne Greenberg Criticism