lilsoliver's review against another edition
4.0
This book was absolutely amazing. I cannot believe I have not heard of it before. This book is a lesbian pulp fiction novel written in the 1950s about three girls: Annice, Pat, and Barby, navigating their new life in New York City. Each girl has her own journey that explores the difficulties and expectations of women in the 50s.
My favorite plotline was most definitely Barby's, as it made the book diverged from the normal expectations of a lesbian pulp fiction novel. Usually, the lesbian characters either die or both end up with men. In this story, Barby and her lover Illene end up together and probably have the most satisfying happy ending out of the three girls.
It is great to see a novel with queer representation, especially in the 50s!!! This book is extremely ahead of its time, and I'm surprised it is not more popular.
My favorite plotline was most definitely Barby's, as it made the book diverged from the normal expectations of a lesbian pulp fiction novel. Usually, the lesbian characters either die or both end up with men. In this story, Barby and her lover Illene end up together and probably have the most satisfying happy ending out of the three girls.
It is great to see a novel with queer representation, especially in the 50s!!! This book is extremely ahead of its time, and I'm surprised it is not more popular.
molly_tuck's review
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Misogyny, Rape, and Sexism
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Pregnancy
Minor: Body shaming, Abortion, Child abuse, and Eating disorder
blschuldt's review against another edition
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Okay we did get a technically happy ending but with such a horrific lead up it was still tough to read at times. It was fun to read about the straight girlies like it was just crazy gossip. Very abrupt ending but fine enough!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Homophobia
annalenawrites's review
reflective
slow-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? Yes
4.0
yeahdeadslow's review against another edition
3.0
This is my first pulp novel, I think! I heard it had a positive portrayal of lesbianism, and it did! Though anything would've looked positive compared to the heterosexual relationships in this book. Yikes?? I liked how much it evoked the 1950s, in a non rosy-coloured glasses way. It reminded me a lot of reading The Best of Everything by Rona Jaffe, except a lot shorter and with some lesbianism to offer relief from the heteros. Of course it was about 150+ pages of heterosexual inanity for 10 pages of lesbian bliss. Worth it? Sure! Especially considering the history of this era and the pulp novels produced then.
cate_with_a_c's review against another edition
3.0
I couldn’t get into this one. It’s hard to have the multiple perspectives without a signaling or index in the paragraph that you’re shifting perspectives. It’s interesting but the shifting perspectives constantly makes it hard to keep track.
mandygollaher's review
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
3.5
A surprisingly nuanced and trope-defying take on the lesbian pulp genre of the 1950s. I read this as part of a research project about the origins of problematic tropes within contemporary queer media and of the books I read, this was by far one of my favorites.
radclyffe_uhaul's review
5.0
Unequivocally happy ending for the lesbian couple. General vibe that lesbianism is the result of (hetero) trauma but at least no one calls it childish or anything. Ilene Gordon is a very sympathetic rendering of what's usually an ugly stereotype (older "confirmed lesbian" preys on innocent traumatized girl; except here she's a savior figure).
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