The group

It's important to know that the copyright on this book is 1954. Also, I should share that the story takes place during America's Great Depression.

If you didn't know these two facts, you might think this is just another book of contemporary women's fiction.

The Group is the story of seven college friends and what happens to them over a ten year period. (See what I told you...Does that sound like a contemporary women's fiction novel, or what?)

But this book was much, much better than any contemporary women's fiction novel I've read. It could be because it was the first of its kind, but I think it's a little more than that. It's literate with fascinating characters. And there is the time travel factor....I really felt like I was back in 1932 with these women. I would be thinking, Gee, these women are just like me, and then Whump! The author would put in a little dialogue or a little subplot and I'd remember, No, these are women who never had the opportunities I have despite their first-rate educations and affluent backgrounds.

I'm not sure whether to classify it as a must-read. I'm terribly happy I read it and I'd encourage others to read it, but it is soap-y here and there.