"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 Harriet Klausner
Posted August 9, 2004