Dreams Amid Sexploitation (Press, 24 August 1985)

"God, He Was Good" by J. K. Klavas, published in 1985, is a poignant novel that centres around a group of young American women working as cosmeticians and acrylic nail technicians in a struggling navy town in Virginia. The setting, referred to as “La Boudoir,” serves as more than just a beauty salon; it becomes a sanctuary where these women share their lives, aspirations, and disappointments during brief interludes between client appointments. In this salon environment, they delve into discussions about their dim love lives and the harsh realities they face, reflecting on their experiences with a male-dominated society that often subjects them to exploitation. These women, often uneducated and vulnerable, find themselves ensnared in a bleak existence, surrounded by a crude male element that seeks entertainment in degrading spectacles. The story explores the personal lives of several women, each coping with their own trials. Dolores dreams of rising to the position of manageress at La Boudoir while grappling with the memories of her past relationship with Phil and her responsibilities as the mother of their daughter, Rosemary. Claudine’s struggles revolve around her handicapped son, Johnny, and her daughter, Michelle, as she fights to provide a better life for them. Additionally, Sheila, who is three months pregnant, navigates the challenges of an unplanned pregnancy while holding onto the hope of a future marriage to her undercover cop boyfriend. Amid the struggles and squalor, the salon atmosphere offers a serene backdrop where the women can lower their guards, allowing for moments of connection and vulnerability, often accompanied by the soothing sounds of love songs on the radio. Klavas draws from her upbringing in her grandmother's salon in Norfolk, Virginia, to infuse authenticity into the narrative. While the novel does not shy away from depicting the dark and often callous nature of human interactions, it is ultimately underpinned by an enduring sense of compassion and resilience. The women’s gritty determination to hold onto whatever semblance of dignity and hope they can amidst their difficult circumstances serves as a testament to the indomitable spirit of humanity. Through its emotional depth and nuanced character development, "God, He Was Good" presents a reflection on the struggles of women navigating a challenging world while seeking connection and grace.

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