Rossner, Judith 1935–2005

(Judith Perelman Rossner)

OBITUARY NOTICE—See index for CA sketch: Born March 1, 1935, in New York, NY; died August 9, 2005, in New York, NY. Author. Rossner was a best-selling novelist who first became famous with the publication of her 1975 book, Looking for Mr. Goodbar. Dropping out of City College at the age of nineteen, she married her first husband, from whom she would divorce in 1972. She would later marry and divorce a second time before marrying her third husband, Stanley Leff. After her first divorce, Rossner moved to New York City and supported herself and her family by working as a secretary. In her spare time, she began writing novels. The first to be published was 1966's To the Precipice. Two more novels followed before the publication of Looking for Mr. Goodbar, which became a best seller and was adapted to film in 1977. By this time, it was clear that Rossner's major literary concern was the poor treatment of women in modern American society, whether it was with regard to sex, marriage, work, or other factors. Her books were often considered disturbing or even depressing by critics and readers alike, though they repeatedly succeeded in touching people's emotions. In addition to a number of short stories, Rossner published nine novels over the years, including the notable August (1983).

OBITUARIES AND OTHER SOURCES:

PERIODICALS

Chicago Tribune, August 11, 2005, section 3, p. 9.

Los Angeles Times, August 11, 2005, p. B10.

New York Times, August 11, 2005, p. C18.

Times (London, England), August 12, 2005, p. 56.

Washington Post, August 11, 2005, p. B5.