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3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Without a doubt my favorite book ever, simply couldn’t put it down.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Pride Book Club Pick for May 2025
I enjoyed the novel and the fact that a queer book could be written by an author and have the 2 main characters not have the same fate as the rest of the characters in that era. This was an interesting take on lesbianism based upon how the times influenced these two FMCs, how they interacted with each other, and the sacrifices they had to make along the way.
Even with the age gap romance, it still came across the pages that the relationship was deeply felt from both parties, and you could see how the thoughts and memories of places and smells could be so tied into a person. A great read, I recommend it!
I enjoyed the novel and the fact that a queer book could be written by an author and have the 2 main characters not have the same fate as the rest of the characters in that era. This was an interesting take on lesbianism based upon how the times influenced these two FMCs, how they interacted with each other, and the sacrifices they had to make along the way.
Even with the age gap romance, it still came across the pages that the relationship was deeply felt from both parties, and you could see how the thoughts and memories of places and smells could be so tied into a person. A great read, I recommend it!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I think this is one of my new favorite books. It’s really beautiful that it was written in the 50s. I had a hard time picturing the scene sometimes but I loved it with the telegrams and letters. It felt very 70s to me i think just because I don’t think I’ve consumed any 1950s lesbian media ever. I really identified with the characters and their relationship and the way they grew closer over the course of the book. I was pleased with the ending after I thought I wouldn’t be. One thing I will say tho is the summary on the back of my book starts with a sentence with the words “sexual obsession” which seems honestly just click baity and like some kind of weird Freudian psychological tokenization thing. This is really not a smutty book at all if you’re looking for that, it’s much more romantic and emotional than anything. I enjoyed being in Therese’s head and I didn’t feel like it was too much inner monologuing for me. I also really liked the character of Abby. I envisioned her fairly butch. I appreciated the connection between her and Carole and how that was discussed/impacted Therese. Also i felt hope when I read that she’d started writing this in 1948. It seems like a time similar to now and I always feel blessed to be reminded of how queer history has showed us tools for our future and present. A classic!!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Stalking, Lesbophobia, Outing
Moderate: Homophobia, Lesbophobia, Abandonment, Alcohol
Masterly writing, beautiful detail. The characters feel very real in all the ways they are both lovely and flawed, even hard to like at times. This is the first Highsmith I've read but it won't be the last.
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The monotony of Therese's soulless Christmas retail job at a 1950s department store is broken by the entrance of Carol, an older, elegant married woman who captivates young Therese. Carol herself is a commanding, maternal figure to Therese, and certainly not without a sharp edge to her character that is slowly softened by her vulnerability. Therese meanwhile is someone used to censoring herself and following the desires of others, only to find her own voice and path in spite of the world's paternalism toward her. It's been a while since I saw the film but I was surprised by how much the film had changed. While those changes served the film visually, I prefer the depth the book offers. Especially when it comes to Therese's internal struggles and voice, as well as her view of Carol.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes