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A review by amymariedoug
Patience & Sarah by Isabel Miller
2.0
You can also read this review on my blog.
During reading, I found myself wondering why this book is heralded as a classic of lesbian literature.
Though the premise is very charming (a lesbian couple in 19th century New England's journey to owning their own farmland), it is hard to look past the basic story-telling that makes this story repetitive (and at times boring). What could have been a fascinating tale of a couple overcoming all odds in a time when it could have killed them, is reduced to a simple, coming of age story. It seems very odd that when Patience and Sarah announce their desires to live as 'mates' to their families, there is ultimately very little resistance.
What's more, is that the characters do not have any real depth to them. Yes, Patience likes painting and Sarah enjoys farm work, but describing a character is not the same as giving them character. Miller's one-dimensional characters, and a rather basic plot lead to the novel being ever so slightly dull.
This is not to say that Miller's story is entirely without it's merits. It is wonderful to read a story about a lesbian couple that isn't entirely based around tragedy, especially considering the novel's time of publication. It's also an easy, and 'cute' story that can easily be read within a day.
However the novel lacks any true substance needed for me to award it anything higher than two stars.
During reading, I found myself wondering why this book is heralded as a classic of lesbian literature.
Though the premise is very charming (a lesbian couple in 19th century New England's journey to owning their own farmland), it is hard to look past the basic story-telling that makes this story repetitive (and at times boring). What could have been a fascinating tale of a couple overcoming all odds in a time when it could have killed them, is reduced to a simple, coming of age story. It seems very odd that when Patience and Sarah announce their desires to live as 'mates' to their families, there is ultimately very little resistance.
What's more, is that the characters do not have any real depth to them. Yes, Patience likes painting and Sarah enjoys farm work, but describing a character is not the same as giving them character. Miller's one-dimensional characters, and a rather basic plot lead to the novel being ever so slightly dull.
This is not to say that Miller's story is entirely without it's merits. It is wonderful to read a story about a lesbian couple that isn't entirely based around tragedy, especially considering the novel's time of publication. It's also an easy, and 'cute' story that can easily be read within a day.
However the novel lacks any true substance needed for me to award it anything higher than two stars.