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lezreadalot's review against another edition
4.0
Oh, we were begun. There would be no way out except through.
One of those books that's enjoyable just as much for the writing as it is for what is written. This one needs no introduction; a classic historical tale of two women daring to find a place for themselves. It was one of the first f/f novels with a happy ending. There's so much poetry here, so much loveliness in the writing, so many meaningful ruminations on love, on loving women, on freedom, on independence, on living in a patriarchal world. It was just really lovely, very naked in its passions. It wasn't overly fairytale-esque, and I loved that it saw them through big rough spots and little rough spots, showing all the work it takes to make a relationship work, but also showing how effortless and sweet love can be. I did think it got a tad bit too slow, or that might just be me; my interest flagged a little near the middle.
There were a bunch of great little extras in this edition; a wonderful introduction by Emma Donoghue, an afterword from Miller's former lover that talks about how and why she started writing the book, and other interesting titbits.
I've been meaning to read this for years, literally (added to my want-t0-read shelf in 2012) and I'm super happy that I finally did.
One of those books that's enjoyable just as much for the writing as it is for what is written. This one needs no introduction; a classic historical tale of two women daring to find a place for themselves. It was one of the first f/f novels with a happy ending. There's so much poetry here, so much loveliness in the writing, so many meaningful ruminations on love, on loving women, on freedom, on independence, on living in a patriarchal world. It was just really lovely, very naked in its passions. It wasn't overly fairytale-esque, and I loved that it saw them through big rough spots and little rough spots, showing all the work it takes to make a relationship work, but also showing how effortless and sweet love can be. I did think it got a tad bit too slow, or that might just be me; my interest flagged a little near the middle.
There were a bunch of great little extras in this edition; a wonderful introduction by Emma Donoghue, an afterword from Miller's former lover that talks about how and why she started writing the book, and other interesting titbits.
I've been meaning to read this for years, literally (added to my want-t0-read shelf in 2012) and I'm super happy that I finally did.
niamhdo's review
5.0
A beautiful story and a beautiful depiction of love. Had to read it slowly to make it last longer. Didn’t want it to finish
claireviolet's review
3.0
a sweet and historically important novel with two very human characters at its center, but oh boy do not let yourself think about the legacy of american settler colonialism or the charm will wear itself thin
salemnities's review
5.0
I fell in love with this butch-femme romance instantly, and had to keep pausing to read excerpts to my wife. i will read it again
diav's review against another edition
4.0
It takes some time for everything to develop, but it's an overall good read!
maceyerhardt's review against another edition
3.0
i did love this book. the beauty of a lesbian relationship taking place in the 1800s and not having the story involve trauma, death, and/or heartbreak was such a relief and pleasant surprise. the ending did fall kind of flat, but it was because they were happy and were able to be together in the way they both wanted. so, i was actually completely ok with feeling kinda let down at the end. the writing was so lovely, the way patience and sarah described eachother made my heart skip and beat and filled my stomach with butterflies. a definite must read for queer women.
aaiinnaa's review against another edition
4.0
Me he leído este libro del tirón en una tarde, se lee fácilmente. Es una historia bonita, tranquila y para disfrutarla.
youreadtoomuch's review
5.0
"I began to wonder if what makes men walk so lordlike and speak so masterfully is having the love of women. If that was it, Sarah and I would make lords of each other."
The sensations the language evokes is equally reflected in the reader as it is in the characers, Patience and Sarah. The unrestrained way in which they love, despite obstacles and unkindness, and the way in which they find their own meanings and descriptions of what they feel, of things never felt before, is inspiring. This book is definitely a favorite because I am starved for wlw literature in which their happy endings aren't men but one another or in which the book does not end in tragedy. I cannot remember how this book came to land on my "to-read" list but I am glad I found it.
The sensations the language evokes is equally reflected in the reader as it is in the characers, Patience and Sarah. The unrestrained way in which they love, despite obstacles and unkindness, and the way in which they find their own meanings and descriptions of what they feel, of things never felt before, is inspiring. This book is definitely a favorite because I am starved for wlw literature in which their happy endings aren't men but one another or in which the book does not end in tragedy. I cannot remember how this book came to land on my "to-read" list but I am glad I found it.