ken_bookhermit's review
4.0
I thought about [b:Patience & Sarah|31186|Patience & Sarah|Isabel Miller|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1386922891l/31186._SX50_.jpg|500486] the entire time I was reading THE LOVE OF GOOD WOMEN because it had the same author, and I am always in the lookout for the synergies between works. Only now am I really understanding that certain themes haunt an artist for most of their lives. For Isabel Miller, I see that her themes have to do with domesticity having the capability to be both freeing and confining regardless of whether it's a heterosexual or a lesbian companionship. Another is found on the title itself: THE LOVE OF GOOD WOMEN. Not necessarily just in a romantic capacity as with Milly and Lil, but in women friendships between Trudi and Ada as well.
Arguably the best part of this novel is how Trudi came into her own. The liberation of her own work, her own money - would have been complete if she dropped men altogether (but we can't all be winners).
There are a few lines (less than PATIENCE & SARAH, unfortunately) from the novel that stood out to me, enough to make me pause reading to bury my face in my pillow for the feelings it left me with:
"...and placed on Milly's mouth the kiss that confirmed a lifetime's guesses." OOF.
"If it was Ada's love, Trude would tell Milly in her own good time. Sooner or later, you have to speak of the most beautiful thing in your life."
"It appeared that happiness, though not mandated, was permitted. Love was possible and could be fairly durable."
Arguably the best part of this novel is how Trudi came into her own. The liberation of her own work, her own money - would have been complete if she dropped men altogether (but we can't all be winners).
There are a few lines (less than PATIENCE & SARAH, unfortunately) from the novel that stood out to me, enough to make me pause reading to bury my face in my pillow for the feelings it left me with:
"...and placed on Milly's mouth the kiss that confirmed a lifetime's guesses." OOF.
"If it was Ada's love, Trude would tell Milly in her own good time. Sooner or later, you have to speak of the most beautiful thing in your life."
"It appeared that happiness, though not mandated, was permitted. Love was possible and could be fairly durable."
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