The Price of Salt, or Carol

A chance encounter between two lonely women leads to a passionate romance in this lesbian cult classic. Therese, a struggling young sales clerk, and Carol, a homemaker in the midst of a bitter divorce, abandon their oppressive daily routines for the freedom of the open road, where their love can blossom. But their newly discovered bliss is shattered when Carol is forced to choose between her child and her lover.
Author Patricia Highsmith is best known for her psychological thrillers Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley. Originally published in 1952 under a pseudonym, The Price of Salt was heralded as the novel of a love society forbids. Highsmith's sensitive treatment of fully realized characters who defy stereotypes about homosexuality marks a departure from previous lesbian pulp fiction. Erotic, eloquent, and suspenseful, this story offers an honest look at the necessity of being true to one's nature. The book is also the basis of the acclaimed 2015 film Carol, starring Cate Blanchett and Rooney Mara.
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304 pages

Average rating: 7.14

42 RATINGS

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4 REVIEWS

Community Reviews

bonedidion
Mar 18, 2024
i’m gay
LitterBug
Mar 27, 2023
7/10 stars
There was a lot to like about this but it was certainly not my favourite Patricia Highsmith novel. Though, wow, so much better than the movie.
Meemaw
Feb 01, 2023
6/10 stars
I didn’t realize when I started it how old the book is, it was written in 1953, and as such it is a little dated. However, the story is enjoyable, it tells of the first same sex relationship and love of the main character Therese. What I really liked were the descriptions of things and people, it is told through her eyes, and she sees things very artistically.
Diamanti
Nov 23, 2022
9/10 stars
This book and the movie carol hold such a special place in my heart

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