Clair Blank (1915–1965)

Clair Blank’s fabulous Beverly Gray series is more difficult to define than many other series for young adults from a bygone era. Perhaps for this reason, it is not as well-known. This is a shame because, in my opinion, it is one of, if not the finest of them all. Beginning with Beverly Gray, Freshman, Clair Blank created a mash-up before such a thing existed. Part soap opera, part mystery and adventure, and part serial, each entry was inexorably tied to the former, continuing an ongoing story-line. Young adult readers of the time followed friends Beverly Gray, Shirley Parker, Lenora Whitehall, and Lois Mason from college, to making their way in the world. The circle of friends was actually much wider, and more sprawling, but these are the core-four. Larry Owens and Beverly’s old childhood friend Jim would also play pivotal roles in the series, as would Terry, and to a lesser degree, newsman Charlie Blaine.

Beverly Gray On a World Cruise, written as a replacement of sorts for Beverly Gray At the World’s Fair - which a new publisher foolishly discarded - begins a four book story arc which was followed by Beverly Gray in the Orient, Beverly Gray On a Treasure Hunt and Beverly Gray’s Return. From the time the friends boarded the Susabella, I believe this four book section to perhaps be the zenith of the series, which remained on a level separating it from the pack throughout its long run. There is never a dull or uninteresting moment, with loads of action, adventure and mystery deftly woven into the fabric of the group trying to make their way in the world both professionally and romantically. Each entry is so packed with their adventures that it’s like a fun potboiler. And yet there is so much warmth and tenderness beneath the surface, readers can almost feel the love Clair Blank had for her creations. She makes them real, allowing them to grow personally, and make mistakes, but also to recover from them.

There are so many characters, so much excitement going on around them, it is quite an achievement that Blank makes it all flow so easily. The reader never loses track of what’s going on, nor do they become bored. Unlike many young adult series, each book was very much connected the the previous entries. The fact that each book carried on a continuing story-line was an astounding achievement by Blank, who had to keep track of many intricate details for each character - not to mention the new mystery or adventure.

This series is naturally somewhat dated, but that’s part of its charm. I find Beverly Gray On a Treasure Hunt to be particularly of interest because some of it takes place — excitingly so — in China, as Beverly covers the war on assignment. The danger becomes all too real when she and her friends are there as Shanghai is invaded. It is one of the most exciting segments in the series, and Beverly is shot.

For those who enjoy reading young adult fiction from a bygone era, the Beverly Gray series is the best. One can read these out of order, because each entry does have a satisfying conclusion. References are made to previous events, however, and some unfinished adventure will have readers searching for both the previous and the next entry wherever they start. Ideally, readers should begin with Beverly Gray Freshman and watch Beverly and her friends make their mark in the world.

The Beverly Gray books are difficult but not impossible to find, but they can sometimes be expensive if you want one with a dust jacket or one in good shape. I’m fortunate to own twenty of the twenty-six, most with dust jackets, but I still long for that Holy Grail — due to its scarcity and price — of young adult books from this time period, Beverly Gray At the World’s Fair. Beverly Gray On a Treasure Hunt is a particular favorite within the series, and part of the four book section which begins with Beverly Gray On a World Cruise and ends with Beverly Gray’s Return. In some ways, I think these four are the heart of the series, Treasure Hunt being the zenith of those.

The continuity of the writing from book to book was astounding, and you can feel the affection Clair Blank had for her characters through the lives she gave them. Great stuff from a great writer of young adult books from the past. Beverly Gray, and its author, Clair Blank, should never be forgotten.… (mehr)