Sunday, July 21, 2024

The Divorcees by Rowan Beaird


This was interesting but not as compelling as a review I had read.  I was not aware of these divorce ranches in Nevada in the 50's, where a woman could spend 6 weeks and get an "instant divorce" by establishing that residency in the state. Of course, this was frowned up and the reasons for the divorce were often very compelling (spousal abuse, cheating, impotence, etc.)

The main character, Lois, receives her father's permission (but not his sanction) to divorce her husband after an unhappy 4-year marriage.  The reader doesn't really learn much about the marriage, which to me was confusing, but I think it was the author's way to assert that it may not matter: a woman should not stay married if she is not happy.  Lawrence did not beat her; but Lois was not fulfilled in the marriage, and she really didn't want children either. He did.

Anyway, Lois meets an interesting and mysterious character at the ranch, Greer.  Everyone supposes she is famous or is married to someone famous.  She is somewhat of an enigma to them all.  Lois is drawn to her, and she to Lois.  But things are not what they seem.

The ending was rather flat to me.  Did I miss something here?

 

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