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pllb's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
fast-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? No
5.0
lesleyc66's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
priimarina's review against another edition
4.0
3.5 — “then carol slipped her arm under her neck, and all the length of their bodies touched fitting as if something had prearranged it. ... why did people talk of heaven, she wondered.”
objectively well written, just kinda not for me. some really strong lines and prose though!
didn’t click w the characters super well, although at least I was rooting for them to succeed LOL. just got kinda bored… best part is definitely their trip, but it feels so short lived comparatively :(
objectively well written, just kinda not for me. some really strong lines and prose though!
didn’t click w the characters super well, although at least I was rooting for them to succeed LOL. just got kinda bored… best part is definitely their trip, but it feels so short lived comparatively :(
gurkenlimo's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
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? It's complicated
3.75
reginaubrey's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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? Yes
4.0
bevelynhugo's review against another edition
4.0
HOLY SHIT. She literally went back to Carol at the last page. Just hurrying to Carol’s table at Elysee. I was reading with such anticipation, hoping she wouldn’t just move on with the next girl, Genevieve (the actress at the cocktail party). It’s such a cozy book, especially the roadtrip scenes. Peak of the book is of course when they confessed their love at Waterloo.
This book has some of the best writing I’ve ever read, hands down. The way Patricia Highsmith does description is so inventive. She describes mundane things in ways I’ve never thought of before. I highlighted a lot of quotes I loved. Also, I loved Therese as a protagonist because her falling for Carol and even her quick infatuation with Genevieve at the end is so relatable to every gay girl. The way Patricia Highsmith uses description helps a lot with that. If you’re a wlw this is basically required reading.
I came for Christmas lesbians but it really has this quality, literary feel to it. Obviously this hits on a more personal level if you’re a wlw but I can see it being an important book regardless of your romantic orientation. It really illustrates how much of a crime it is to be an American gay person in the 50s. They wouldn’t throw you in jail outright, but same-sex love is like a scar on your life that has consequences. Any evidence they find follows you forever like a tattoo. You’re seen as some deviant pervert. Like a pedophile if you were to think in terms of our modern-day mindset. Obviously that would be the grounds to lose custody of your child.
Minus a star because I thought the beginning dragged on, especially with her dissatisfaction about Richard. I understand the character of Richard adds drama and contrasts heavily to her relationship with Carol. But I honestly just wanted to read about Therese’s dream woman! I completely forgot Therese had a boyfriend too. I didn’t really care for her set designer career either and any scenes to do with it. I’m pretty sure they cut that part out from the film completely. I’ll have to rewatch the film soon.
This book has some of the best writing I’ve ever read, hands down. The way Patricia Highsmith does description is so inventive. She describes mundane things in ways I’ve never thought of before. I highlighted a lot of quotes I loved. Also, I loved Therese as a protagonist because her falling for Carol and even her quick infatuation with Genevieve at the end is so relatable to every gay girl. The way Patricia Highsmith uses description helps a lot with that. If you’re a wlw this is basically required reading.
I came for Christmas lesbians but it really has this quality, literary feel to it. Obviously this hits on a more personal level if you’re a wlw but I can see it being an important book regardless of your romantic orientation. It really illustrates how much of a crime it is to be an American gay person in the 50s. They wouldn’t throw you in jail outright, but same-sex love is like a scar on your life that has consequences. Any evidence they find follows you forever like a tattoo. You’re seen as some deviant pervert. Like a pedophile if you were to think in terms of our modern-day mindset. Obviously that would be the grounds to lose custody of your child.
Minus a star because I thought the beginning dragged on, especially with her dissatisfaction about Richard. I understand the character of Richard adds drama and contrasts heavily to her relationship with Carol. But I honestly just wanted to read about Therese’s dream woman! I completely forgot Therese had a boyfriend too. I didn’t really care for her set designer career either and any scenes to do with it. I’m pretty sure they cut that part out from the film completely. I’ll have to rewatch the film soon.