Ann Beattie’s novel Picturing Will is a poignant exploration of the Woodstock Generation, capturing the essence of a demographic marked by a mix of rebellion and disillusionment. This was Beattie’s eighth fictional work and her fourth novel, featuring protagonists who navigate the complexities of middle age with a sense of detachment. Once fervent in their opposition to societal norms, these characters face a new challenge: reconciling with the very society they helped to shape. Now in their forties, they grapple with the demands of parenthood and societal roles, which they had once viewed with skepticism.

The narrative’s third section takes a bold leap into the future, envisioning the protagonist Will as an adult. Beattie imagines Will as an art historian at Columbia University, suggesting a future where, even if his generation does not triumph, it persists. This speculative glimpse hints at endurance amidst change, a theme that resonates throughout the novel.

Critics have debated Beattie’s use of photographic techniques in Picturing Will, questioning whether they translate as effectively in a novel as they do in her short stories. Despite these critiques, the novel functions as a kind of photo album, capturing moments that are both vivid and authentic. While some images are unsettling, such as the homoerotic scene witnessed by Will, others, like his discovery of Mel’s diary, are deeply moving. Beattie masterfully uncovers fragments of hope within the generational upheaval, eschewing simplistic resolutions in favor of a more nuanced portrayal of lives marked by improvisation and uncertainty.