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A review by savvylit
The Price of Salt, or Carol by Patricia Highsmith
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