In her latest historical fiction masterpiece, USA Today bestselling author Renée Rosen delves into the fascinating origin story of one of the world’s most recognizable icons – Barbie. “Let’s Call Her Barbie” is an intricate tapestry of ambition, innovation, and personal struggles set against the backdrop of America’s evolving social landscape from the 1950s through the 1970s.
The Creative Vision Behind the Plastic
At the heart of this meticulously researched novel is Ruth Handler, co-founder of Mattel and the visionary behind Barbie. Rosen skillfully portrays Ruth as a complex character – a determined businesswoman pushing boundaries in a male-dominated industry while struggling with her roles as mother and wife. The author presents Ruth’s journey from her initial inspiration (seeing her daughter Barbara playing with paper dolls) to her relentless pursuit of creating a three-dimensional fashion doll that would allow girls to dream beyond traditional motherhood roles.
Character Development and Dynamics
While Ruth serves as the primary driving force, Rosen introduces a rich ensemble cast that brings depth to the narrative:
- Jack Ryan: The brilliant but troubled head engineer whose technical expertise brings Barbie to life, even as his personal demons threaten to destroy him
- Charlotte Johnson: The talented fashion designer who creates Barbie’s iconic wardrobe
- Stevie Klein: A fictional character whose journey from waitress to designer provides an intimate perspective on the fashion industry and women’s evolving roles
- Elliot Handler: Ruth’s supportive yet occasionally doubtful husband and business partner
Writing Style and Narrative Structure
Rosen’s prose is crisp and engaging, seamlessly weaving multiple timelines and perspectives. The author excels at period details, from the changing fashion landscape to the social upheavals of the era. The narrative alternates between business drama and personal struggles, maintaining a steady pace that keeps readers invested in both the professional and personal stakes.
Strengths
- Historical Accuracy: The author’s extensive research shines through in authentic period details and accurate portrayals of business practices
- Complex Characters: Each character is fully realized with distinct motivations and flaws
- Social Commentary: The book effectively explores themes of feminism, innovation, and social change
- Business Drama: The behind-the-scenes look at toy development and corporate politics is fascinating
Areas for Improvement
- Some readers might find the corporate politics and financial details occasionally overwhelming
- The large cast of characters can be challenging to track at times
- Certain subplots could have been more fully developed
- The pacing in the middle section occasionally slows
Themes and Social Commentary
The novel expertly explores several compelling themes:
- Women’s evolving roles in society and business
- The tension between innovation and tradition
- The impact of personal vision on cultural change
- The price of ambition and success
- The complex dynamics of family and business relationships
Historical Context and Relevance
Rosen’s timing is impeccable, though unplanned – the book arrives as Barbie experiences a cultural renaissance. However, this isn’t merely a tie-in novel; it’s a thoughtful exploration of how cultural icons are born and the personal sacrifices required to bring revolutionary ideas to life.
Impact and Cultural Significance
The novel successfully captures a pivotal moment in American cultural history, showing how a simple toy reflected and influenced changing attitudes about women’s roles and possibilities. Through Ruth’s story, we see how personal vision can shape cultural narratives and create lasting impact.
Comparisons to Other Works
Fans of Rosen’s previous works like “Park Avenue Summer” and “The Social Graces” will recognize her talent for bringing historical figures to vivid life. The book also shares DNA with other business-focused historical fiction like “The Paris Wife” and “The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” in its exploration of ambitious women navigating male-dominated worlds.
Target Audience
This book will appeal to:
- Historical fiction enthusiasts
- Readers interested in business history
- Fans of strong female protagonists
- Those curious about Barbie’s cultural impact
- Anyone interested in mid-century American history
Final Verdict
“Let’s Call Her Barbie” is a compelling blend of business drama and personal narrative that successfully brings to life the fascinating story behind one of the world’s most enduring cultural icons. While occasionally weighted down by complex business details, the strong character development and historical accuracy make it a worthwhile read.
Personal Reflection
The story resonates particularly well in our current moment of female entrepreneurship and discussions about representation in toys and media. Rosen has created more than just a biography in fiction form; she’s crafted a nuanced exploration of innovation, ambition, and the personal cost of creating lasting change.
Recommendation
Despite its few shortcomings, “Let’s Call Her Barbie” is highly recommended for readers who enjoy well-researched historical fiction that illuminates the human stories behind cultural phenomena. The book offers valuable insights into both the business world and changing social dynamics of mid-century America, while maintaining an engaging narrative that will keep readers invested until the final page.