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sarahbw2's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
relaxing
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
savvylit's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The back of my copy of The Price of Salt has categorized this book as a mystery. It is decidedly not a mystery - though most of Highsmith's best-known work did fall in that genre.
Instead, this book is a beautifully portrayed love story written and set in an era when such a thing was considered 'perverse' and criminal. Published in 1952, The Price of Salt is so much more than a sensually described romance, though.
The Price of Salt is:
. an atmospheric look at life as a young woman in mid-century New York City
. a dark revelation about the difficulties of being a queer woman in the early 50s
. a road trip epic
There were two aspects of this story that made it a 5 star read for me:
1. How Therese's love for Carol feels so palpable. After reading the story, I discovered that the book is considered semi-autobiographical. By drawing on her own experience and feelings, Highsmith made reading this love story feel so realistic; almost to the point of near-voyeurism.
2. The setting was delightful and transporting. Highsmith has so deftly captured the styles and mannerisms of the era: red polished nails, unfiltered cigarettes, classic cocktails... Fans of 50s style will adore these details.
Instead, this book is a beautifully portrayed love story written and set in an era when such a thing was considered 'perverse' and criminal. Published in 1952, The Price of Salt is so much more than a sensually described romance, though.
The Price of Salt is:
. an atmospheric look at life as a young woman in mid-century New York City
. a dark revelation about the difficulties of being a queer woman in the early 50s
. a road trip epic
There were two aspects of this story that made it a 5 star read for me:
1. How Therese's love for Carol feels so palpable. After reading the story, I discovered that the book is considered semi-autobiographical. By drawing on her own experience and feelings, Highsmith made reading this love story feel so realistic; almost to the point of near-voyeurism.
2. The setting was delightful and transporting. Highsmith has so deftly captured the styles and mannerisms of the era: red polished nails, unfiltered cigarettes, classic cocktails... Fans of 50s style will adore these details.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
xenia_li's review against another edition
emotional
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Toxic relationship
ritapisk's review against another edition
emotional
tense
medium-paced
4.75
just the historical implications of this could make me cry for days on end. I can't believe Patricia let them be happy. and with such gorgeous writing too! minus .25 stars because it did make me wonder several times if the relationship was toxic or not, but I've decided no <3
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
conniebrown's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Misogyny
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
kindasleepy's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
fairyollie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
as lovely as lesbian literature always is, and as groundbreaking and cultural as this particular novel may be, I was disappointed by the toxicity of the relationship: the jealousy and possession, the gaslighting, homophobia, and uncomfortable age gap kept me from thoroughly enjoying this cult classic. however, lesbians FTW. I would have loved a happily ever after - but the ending redeemed an otherwise iffy relationship
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia
emmapetryna's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
lillianreads's review against another edition
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Stalking
enyaceleste's review against another edition
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
The pace of this book was SO. SLOW. I forced myself to keep reading because it is such a revolutionary book but, my god, is it boring. I was really excited about a story about two ladies in love on a road trip in the 1950s but was left quite disappointed.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Lesbophobia