‘It was boys, boobs and blood’: Irish writers on how Judy Blume’s Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret shaped them
The classic 1970 novel’s frank depiction of an 11-year-old’s journey through puberty sparked outrage. As the film adaptation hits cinemas, Irish authors reflect on how the taboo-busting novel shaped them — and an entire generation of young readers
Judy Blume's book 'Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret' has been a hit with pre-teens since 1970
Meadhbh McGrath
It’s an experience familiar to millions of young people throughout history, but one that is seldom depicted in books, films or television: an 11-year-old agonises over what will happen when she gets her first period.