Smart Women is a 1983 novel by Judy Blume that tells the story of a divorcee who falls for her friend's ex-husband.

Plot summary

The story follows Margo and B.B., two divorcees who are trying to restart their lives in Boulder, Colorado, to the annoyance and amusement of their teenage daughters. Matters get much more complex and relationships strained when B.B.'s ex-husband moves next door to Margo and starts a relationship with him.

Characters

Themes

The common theme in Smart Women is about divorce, change, love and a new start.

Symbols

The children represent Judy Blume's sensitivity toward their feelings. Both Sara and Michelle are mentioned throughout the whole book. She makes it clear they come first when it comes to Margo's and B.B's decision making. Both daughters provide the humor and poignancy in the story.