book reviews
Divine Intervention: a Memoir
"Divine Intervention, A Memoir" is a coming-of-age story that begins with my conservative and religious upbringing in the 1950's and romps through my 1960's friendship with John Waters star Divine and friends when we lived in the Marlborough, a worn beaux-arts apartment building at the edge of Baltimore’s Bolton Hill.
It is a tale of an old Baltimore – in fact, many of the sites I mention exist only in memory now, but that time was special. It became an opportunity to step past my once accepted boundaries, to play with this group of new friends that Divine called a family. It was a colorful, bold and glamorous world that sometimes teetered on excess -- but that also gave me the opportunity to step out, to learn, to create a new future.
Available for purchase at: Amazon as an eBook or paperback.
A Wonderful Memoir Full of Heart, Humor, and Nostalgia
I could not stop reading this book! Freedman’s conversational style and vivid descriptions transport you back in time to the 50s/60s where you immediately feel you are part of her “chosen family” of close friends - which just happens to include the grittily illustrious and illuminating Glenn Milstead, more commonly known as Divine. Freedman’s story, with adventures ranging from bohemian feminism to the life of a struggling artist to coming of age in the sexual revolution, is one that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt like the underdog. Peppered throughout this colorful story are some of the hilariously sharp-tongued yet heart-felt insights Glenn shared with Freedman throughout their time together - which not only gives you better glimpse at who Divine truly was, but also gives both Freedman (as well as the reader) the tough-loving “kick in the pants” needed to continue successfully forward on this crazy journey called life. This book’s humor is only outshined but its heart. All in all a wonderful read!!
A Faulkenberry
A really great read
I didn't know what to expect, but I thoroughly enjoyed the whole book... really the author's life story. She wrote that she kept all her journals from decades ago, so her memories were very fresh, and she was able to recollect so much detail. She lived in a very cool building in unlikely Baltimore, with lots of interesting people who were all friends, one of her friends being Divine. Highly recommended if you like an autobiography type book about someone's life.
Loves to read tell-alls
A beautiful portrait of Divine
Janet Freedman's memoir of growing up in the 50s and 60s is one many of us who are contemporaries can relate to. Though our specific experiences may have differed, the spirit of the times is wonderfully captured, so reading the book is like reliving our youth. Add to that her sensitive portrayal of Divine, showing the kind man behind his famous image, is illuminating and endearing. Well worth reading—you will enjoy it.
Elizabeth C.
Great Read!
Janet Freedman writes a deeply personal account of growing up in East Baltimore chafing at a life that seemed pre-ordained, but then finds her way to art school and the people and influences therein. She takes you back to that time, and the tension of its conflicting worlds. Her friendship with DIvine and his friends provide her with a doorway to another life. Somehow she made her memoir a page turner. It's one of the best reads of the year.
M.T.
Coming of age in Baltimore History
I really enjoyed Janes book. I learned so much about Baltimore history and some much about Divine that I never knew. The family dynamics added to the story line and made this a very enjoyable read.
Tyra
Enjoyable read
I came of age in roughly the same time period, with similar experiences, though with less famous friends. This felt like a conversation with a new friend, revealing made us the people we are. Grab a glass and a bottle of wine, sit back and enjoy.
B Brown
Loved reliving Janet’s memories of Baltimore
I really enjoyed Janet’s experiences of Baltimore, the Marlborough and her friends. What it was like to be a women at that time, expected to marry, not have a College education. I had forgotten so many names and was reminded of so many events including the 1968 riots watching from the roof of the Marlborough, parties in 8C, which was one of the apartments I lived in after Van moved out and Glen stories. Thank you Janet Love, Go Go
Deborah Hellman
A must read!!!!
An absolute must read! I loved it so much that I want to read it again. Knowing it’s a true story made it even more interesting to me. It gives a glimpse into the authors struggle to find herself, her wild adventures while doing so, and the interesting lives of people that helped her along the way.
JRK
Fantastic memoir!
If you like Baltimore, drag queens, cinema, coming of age stories, women’s empowerment, or 50s/60s mad men-esque genres... buy this book!
J. Freedman