In the Unlikely Event

Judy Blume masterfully transports readers to the tense atmosphere of early 1950s New Jersey, where a series of real-life plane crashes shatters the illusion of safety in a small community. Through the eyes of teenager Miri Ammerman, Blume explores the profound shock and psychological fallout of these disasters, weaving together the lives of a diverse cast of characters whose personal dramas are magnified by the collective trauma. This adult novel is a deep and compelling exploration of how ordinary people navigate the aftermath of extraordinary, unthinkable events.

Blume’s signature strength—her unparalleled ability to capture the authentic voice and emotional landscape of a young person coming of age—is on full display, but here it is elevated to a more complex, multi-generational narrative. Readers who grew up with her young adult classics will find a rewarding maturity in this story, which tackles grief, first love, and family secrets with the same honesty and empathy. The novel’s power lies in its quiet, cumulative impact, leaving a lasting impression about resilience and the fragile bonds that hold a community together in a crisis.