Unbuttoning America by Ardis Cameron provides an in-depth look at the cultural impact of Peyton Place, Grace Metalious's groundbreaking novel that shocked and captivated 1950s America. Published in 1956, Peyton Place became an unexpected bestseller, touching on taboo topics like incest, murder, female desire, and social injustice. This biography examines the novel’s origins, Metalious’s life, and the societal context that made the book both controversial and highly successful.

Cameron delves into the book’s broader cultural significance, suggesting that Peyton Place was more than just a scandalous melodrama. She argues that it served as a critique of the conservative values of postwar America, exposing the hypocrisy and hidden inequalities of small-town life. Metalious’s portrayal of women grappling with their identities, particularly their sexual and personal freedoms, can be seen as a precursor to second-wave feminism.

While the book is undoubtedly informative, it sometimes feels like a detailed academic study rather than a compelling narrative. The exploration of the novel's reception, through interviews, fan letters, and archival material, provides a fascinating look at how Peyton Place was viewed over time, but the writing can occasionally be dry for casual readers.

For anyone interested in the cultural history of 1950s America or the legacy of Peyton Place, Cameron’s biography offers valuable insights. However, readers expecting a more narrative-driven or engaging exploration might find it a bit too academic in tone.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Cornell University Press for the ARC.
I would buy a hardcover or paperback edition and I highly recommend that other readers seek out "Unbuttoning America" because Ardis Cameron is extraordinary and entertaining in how she combines pop culture, history, literature, research and social sciences.

From a twenty-first century perspective, Peyton Place seems almost quaint, but Cameron's book helps the modern reader to understand just how shocking and revolutionary the novel really was. Peeling back the layers that have been put on the story by the ensuing films and television show, Cameron details the story of the book's publication and reception, offering a fascinating look at the midcentury world of America.