Let’s Call Her Barbie, a review by Di

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LET’S CALL HER BARBIE
Renée Rosen

Berkley
January 21, 2025
432 pages

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What a gem of a book! This book traces the journey of the iconic Barbie doll from its inception to the great success she has become.

As with every historical novel, there are many factual incidents and some parts added to help with the flow of the story. There always seems to be a fine line between fact and fiction. In the author’s afterword, she explains. She even goes so far as to suggest other books which give a different slant to the characters and the story. It’s up to the reader to decide which they prefer.

Barbie’s journey was not an easy one, in fact after spending a ton of money and much time, the company thought that she would be a failure. But we all know that’s not what happened. The biggest factor against her was that she looked like a real woman. She had a curvy and (horrors!!!) she had breasts!!

I found the first half of the story more interesting. The second half was more business-like. The story turns to more of the company and business issues. It seemed like it slowed down somewhat. Just a personal observation. However, the cast of characters that were highlighted was interesting throughout the whole book.

I loved how Ms Rosen gives closure to the main characters at the end. And, she includes some very interesting facts and details at the end of the book. Don’t skip them.

My own story with Barbie reflects much of what is history. I was 9 years old when I first saw Barbie in a toy store. I fell in love immediately. I HAD to have her. I even had dreams about her. I asked my mother and got a flat-out NO! At the age of 9, I had no idea that it was about her figure. So, I saved up my own money ($2.99) and my father drove me to the toy store so I could buy my own. My mother was not happy with him. But, she capitulated (not sure how that came about) and bought my Barbie a couple of outfits on my next birthday. I remember being jealous of my friends who had multiple Barbies and a huge selection of the wonderful clothes. I wish I still had my Barbie.