The Road Taken

In this latest sweeping woman's saga from Rona Jaffe, the focus of the story is on Rose Smith and her family. Born in 1900, Rose is the witness to all the dramatic changes that occur in 20th century America. After she loses her ailing mother at the age of ten, Rose is raised primarily by her father, her older sister and brother, and her new stepmother. The reader is caught up in the history of the era, as the book vividly describes what is going on politically as well as economically and socially throughout this century. We hear the music that is playing, see men go off to war, and see women gain status and economic independence. We see people fight cancer before anyone knew much about this disease, we witness the beginning of modern birth control, and we struggle with Rose's youngest daughter, Ginger, when she contracts polio. Most of the story is played out in early 20th century New York City, and the exciting changes that go on there form the backdrop to the story of Rose's family.