godlizza's review against another edition
3.0
I think it's always going to be weird writing reviews for lesbian pulp fiction, as they really are a product of their time so expectations are always gonna be low lol. I will say, the ending of this book wasn't the doom and gloom commonly associated with books of this kind. There's a consistent thing throughout the book of all these characters, including Beth, saying that relationships between women are 'kid stuff', things to 'grow out of'. That being with a woman could never be serious or fulfilling the way being with a man could. However, despite this, Laura has a moment of clarity at the end of the book and is accepting of her identity as a lesbian. Even though I wouldn't look to this book as some grand work of sapphic lit, I do commend it and 22-year-old Ann Bannon for not punishing the sapphic characters for loving women. We'll see where the rest of the series takes us!
poetryandsolitude's review against another edition
4.0
3.5
I don’t know how to really rate this, based on enjoyment or objectively ? the fact that it is written in the 50’s doesn’t make it that fair to judge it objectively in my opinion.
Anyway, based on enjoyment. I kind of liked it, before anyone points out that it’s toxic i literally found it in a “Toxic Lesbian Relationships” list. It’s fun, it’s confusing, there’s a lot of tension between the girls and honestly gives a better understanding on how it was for lesbians in the 50’s. I would like a different ending but there’s more to the series, so maybe it makes sense. Beth was really toxic in the process of trying to keep peace but so was Laura, being possessive and acting in a certain way to get what she wants.
Objectively it’s not that impressive, the writing style is confusing — we know stuff because we’re literally told, some things should be shown better through what’s happening (and some left for us to put two and two together). So yeah, there were no interesting writing techniques, really plain and simple but again, 50’s, but there are also old books that kind of got the writing right. Anyway, 50’s lesbian book, yay.
To conclude i don’t know how to rate this, It’s good but not incredible but it also got my attention, and honestly, it’s fun to read mediocre gay books, you just read and don’t have to think much.
I don’t know how to really rate this, based on enjoyment or objectively ? the fact that it is written in the 50’s doesn’t make it that fair to judge it objectively in my opinion.
Anyway, based on enjoyment. I kind of liked it, before anyone points out that it’s toxic i literally found it in a “Toxic Lesbian Relationships” list. It’s fun, it’s confusing, there’s a lot of tension between the girls and honestly gives a better understanding on how it was for lesbians in the 50’s. I would like a different ending but there’s more to the series, so maybe it makes sense. Beth was really toxic in the process of trying to keep peace but so was Laura, being possessive and acting in a certain way to get what she wants.
Objectively it’s not that impressive, the writing style is confusing — we know stuff because we’re literally told, some things should be shown better through what’s happening (and some left for us to put two and two together). So yeah, there were no interesting writing techniques, really plain and simple but again, 50’s, but there are also old books that kind of got the writing right. Anyway, 50’s lesbian book, yay.
To conclude i don’t know how to rate this, It’s good but not incredible but it also got my attention, and honestly, it’s fun to read mediocre gay books, you just read and don’t have to think much.
itchytit's review against another edition
1.0
If you are here to understand your sexuality better, don’t read this book. If you are here to learn a little history about homophobia, sex relations between the sexes, and gender roles, maybe.
If you are a lesbian who is proud of her sapphicism, don’t read this book. It will send your whole body searing with rage.
I see a lot comments of queer people praising this book and truthfully, I don’t understand its praise. It *should* be taken as a grain of salt. And it has been. But the bold facts are still there:
This book is extremely problematic and chalked full of coding and poor character designs.
This book reaches a 50/50 in terms of where it stands. On one half you have an extremely problematic narration on societal expectations for women, a desolate and sad life, filled with sexual harassment and women are always submissive baby makers. Not that they call it sad and desolate.
On the other side, you have a positive-ish outlook for Laura which is slightly less problematic and sets us up for the rest of the novels.
Final words though: skip the book and head to the next.
If you are a lesbian who is proud of her sapphicism, don’t read this book. It will send your whole body searing with rage.
I see a lot comments of queer people praising this book and truthfully, I don’t understand its praise. It *should* be taken as a grain of salt. And it has been. But the bold facts are still there:
This book is extremely problematic and chalked full of coding and poor character designs.
This book reaches a 50/50 in terms of where it stands. On one half you have an extremely problematic narration on societal expectations for women, a desolate and sad life, filled with sexual harassment and women are always submissive baby makers. Not that they call it sad and desolate.
On the other side, you have a positive-ish outlook for Laura which is slightly less problematic and sets us up for the rest of the novels.
Final words though: skip the book and head to the next.
arrowsartsandbooks's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Biphobia
aliterarynightmare's review against another edition
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Lesbophobia, Sexual harassment, and Homophobia
rpenzias's review against another edition
4.0
This book was very interesting. I picked it up with few expectations, and it definitely surpassed them. I expected it to be a low quality, lesbian novel with a boring, expected plot line, yet it had a very interesting story. I picked it up yesterday, and couldn't put it down until I finished it this morning.
charlottesometimes's review against another edition
emotional
tense
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? Yes
3.0
100sheep's review
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Interesting read. I think the main characters were both pretty interesting. It was also interesting reading about how queer relationships and topics were talked about in the 50s.
emilyofthegreenwood's review against another edition
3.0
This book is a product of its time, and it's a book that had to conform to certain genre rules (to avoid 1950s censorship) attached to the lesbian pulp genre. I didn't love any of the characters. The relationship between the two girls felt toxic and dangerous. They emotionally manipulated each other and the people around them. I honestly didn't want them to stay together as a couple.
The plot, despite being a novel about lesbians, revolved around a man. A "good guy" who kisses girls when they say no, and manipulates them into dates. I hated him.
I didn't particularly like this book, but I'm giving it three stars anyway, because it's still a worthwhile read, and I think it's important to lesbian history. It's entertaining, fairly well-written, and despite its many flaws, I did enjoy it.
The plot, despite being a novel about lesbians, revolved around a man. A "good guy" who kisses girls when they say no, and manipulates them into dates. I hated him.
I didn't particularly like this book, but I'm giving it three stars anyway, because it's still a worthwhile read, and I think it's important to lesbian history. It's entertaining, fairly well-written, and despite its many flaws, I did enjoy it.