You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.96 AVERAGE
3.96 AVERAGE
Lovely movie (Carol), lovely book. I liked that it was from the point of view of the younger woman.
I liked this one more than Strangers on the Train by the same author.
I liked this one more than Strangers on the Train by the same author.
Beautifully written, with a lot of emotion bared on the page. In a way it reminded me of Hemingway, which seems odd. I didn't find the relationship to be beautiful (or, um, appropriate), but it felt very honest. I just loved, loved, loved the writing.
I appreciated reading this book after seeing the film. It fills in details in the character of Therese in particular. And gives an opportunity to fully the character of Carol--now indelibly the amazing Cate Blanchett--alongside memories of the film.
Early 1950s lesbian romance, seems fully true to its times, though how would I know?
The story line takes place from the perspective of Therese. There's perhaps too much inner dialog at times, though maybe this is the way contemporary romance novels run? Even when it seemed like a lot, and even though I had seen the film, I didn't lose interest. Therese coming to Manhattan to make her way on her own: life seems full of complications and inner torment, perhaps not unlike the young women in the show Girls.
I wouldn't say I couldn't put it down. I went through a few cycles of getting into it and pausing. In a way, and surprisingly, the part before the story picks up its pace on the road trip held me more than the long road trip. Highsmith went on after this to a long career as a screen writer, and she knows how to tell a story. It's hard not to appreciate and enjoy it.
Early 1950s lesbian romance, seems fully true to its times, though how would I know?
The story line takes place from the perspective of Therese. There's perhaps too much inner dialog at times, though maybe this is the way contemporary romance novels run? Even when it seemed like a lot, and even though I had seen the film, I didn't lose interest. Therese coming to Manhattan to make her way on her own: life seems full of complications and inner torment, perhaps not unlike the young women in the show Girls.
I wouldn't say I couldn't put it down. I went through a few cycles of getting into it and pausing. In a way, and surprisingly, the part before the story picks up its pace on the road trip held me more than the long road trip. Highsmith went on after this to a long career as a screen writer, and she knows how to tell a story. It's hard not to appreciate and enjoy it.
emotional
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
The first half of the book dragged a bit but since I was aware of the movie Carol that is based on the book, I knew it was worth getting to that point. The second half is when the real story begins. It was fun but also painful in an emotional way. I was on the verge of tears at times. I enjoyed it but the writing is definitely of its time.
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
el audio libro es demasiaaaaado lento.
emotional
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Though I think having the relationship be toxic is probably the only accurate way to tell a queer love story in the 50s, I do not understand why this story is so loved by queer women. Carol and Therese have an awkward at best relationship and to claim it’s love seems so bold and ridiculous to me, so it was hard for me to invest in the book at all.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have been going down a 1950's lesbian pulp fiction pipeline after reading 'Perfume and Pain'. I am trying to reflect on this book within the context of its time period and cultural era. I found the story to drag slowly and not ever really go anywhere, it definitely wasn't what I expected. I think when I hear the term lesbian pulp fiction it evokes a salacious aura, but this book was much more about self-discovery and love than sex. I found myself skimming a lot since it moved so slowly, but I am glad I read it!