The Price of Salt, Patricia Highsmith

[Louise, Group Founder]

This is the thread for discussion of our August book (theme: published 1950s), The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith (also available under the name Carol)


The Price of Salt (from blurb of 2015 edition)
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.

Patricia Highsmith (wikipedia summary)
Patricia Highsmith was an American novelist and short story writer best known for her psychological thrillers, including her series of five novels based on the character of Tom Ripley. She wrote 22 novels and numerous short stories throughout her career, and her work has led to more than two dozen film adaptations. Her writing derived influence from existentialist literature, and questioned popular morality. She was dubbed "the poet of apprehension" by novelist Graham Greene.
Her first novel, Strangers on a Train, has been adapted for stage and screen numerous times, notably by Alfred Hitchcock in 1951. Her 1955 novel The Talented Mr. Ripley has been adapted numerous times for film, theatre, and radio. Writing under the pseudonym "Claire Morgan," Highsmith published The Price of Salt, (view spoiler)[the first lesbian novel with a happy ending (hide spoiler)], republished 38 years later as Carol under her own name and later adapted into a 2015 film.
Highworth's romantic/sexual relationships herself were predominantly, though not exclusively, with women.


Margarida wil be leading the discussion

[Mimimimimi]

Hi guys, I'm currently waiting for my library copy to be available.

Whether you've started reading already, or you're still waiting for your copy to arrive like me, what are your initial thoughts about it and/or what are you expecting?

And I think it bears to mention, have you seen the film, or are you going into the book with fresh eyes?

(Please do be careful of spoilers guys)

[Melissa]

It is an excellent read.