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bookishrealm's review against another edition
2.0
So, I read this as a part of Bethany's book club where we are slowly working our way through some classic lesbian romances. I can admit that it is monumental for it's publication time; however, I'm was not impressed with the overall story.
Patience & Sarah follows two characters who live in a small town and eventually realize that they have a romantic attraction towards each other. Unfortunately, their families weren't as supportive of their pending relationship with each other so they are forced to leave town to make a home of their own.
What I Enjoyed: Honestly, not much. There was some interesting information about the author and the origins of the book, but other than that I really struggled with this book. I liked Sarah as a character as long as she wasn't dealing with Patience.
What I Didn't Enjoy: There was so much hinting at incest in this book and I'm not exactly sure why it was considered to be relevant to the plot of this novel. If anyone knows me then they know that I draw a hard line with the inclusion of incest in any narrative. Unfortunately, I also wasn't invested in the relationship between Sarah and Patience. Patience was a piece of work that attempted to control every facet of their relationship. She also sought to change Sarah into that type of queer woman that she was most attracted to which disgusted me. While the author may have intended to illustrate the romantic relationship between two women, there wasn't a romance to invest in.
Overall, this was a disappointing read. I can appreciate it's historical place in the world of literature, but it isn't one that I enjoyed.
Patience & Sarah follows two characters who live in a small town and eventually realize that they have a romantic attraction towards each other. Unfortunately, their families weren't as supportive of their pending relationship with each other so they are forced to leave town to make a home of their own.
What I Enjoyed: Honestly, not much. There was some interesting information about the author and the origins of the book, but other than that I really struggled with this book. I liked Sarah as a character as long as she wasn't dealing with Patience.
What I Didn't Enjoy: There was so much hinting at incest in this book and I'm not exactly sure why it was considered to be relevant to the plot of this novel. If anyone knows me then they know that I draw a hard line with the inclusion of incest in any narrative. Unfortunately, I also wasn't invested in the relationship between Sarah and Patience. Patience was a piece of work that attempted to control every facet of their relationship. She also sought to change Sarah into that type of queer woman that she was most attracted to which disgusted me. While the author may have intended to illustrate the romantic relationship between two women, there wasn't a romance to invest in.
Overall, this was a disappointing read. I can appreciate it's historical place in the world of literature, but it isn't one that I enjoyed.
amelody's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Homophobia, and Classism
claragcuesta's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
3.0
mariellllll's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
kendra_kendra's review against another edition
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
mrittghosh's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
kelsiepixler's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Would have rated this book a 3.5 if it wasn’t for the historical context in which it was written. Knowing when this book was written, how revolutionary it was to have a book depict a healthy wlw relationship, the happy ending had me cheering.
Decontextualized, this book would have fallen flat for me. It’s a slow burn. The romance is the plot - not much happens outside of the building of their romance.
Contextualized, it was amazing and absolutely worth the read.
Decontextualized, this book would have fallen flat for me. It’s a slow burn. The romance is the plot - not much happens outside of the building of their romance.
Contextualized, it was amazing and absolutely worth the read.