Small Changes

1973, possibly first paperback edition, from Fawcett Crest
Marge Piercy
Small Changes
Original price $1.95, purchase price $2.00
Very worn paperback with loose covers
C+

Covering roughly 1965 to 1973, and telling the stories of brainy Earth Mother Miriam, shy but strong Beth, their lovers (including Beth's girlfriend Wanda), husbands, and friends, this is sort of all over the place, much like the era it represents.  I assume the title is meant to be somewhat ironic, since lives are changing and yet it's unclear, as the last chapter, "Another Desperate Soprano (Helen)," suggests, whether things have really become better or even different for women.  The female characters aren't exactly likable, and even the best of the men (Phil) is seriously messed up.  It's an interesting journey, including the glimpses of early computer science and the workings of communes, but at times it's harrowing, and I'm not sure what the point is.  Not the most successful, or optimistic, work of feminist fiction, but it might be worth a read if you're curious about the era.