The story is about falling in love with others, in love with oneself, and in and out of love with the world. It explores the place of lesbianism in New York in the 1950s, a tale of both hope and tragedy. It’s about self discovery, the fight between the inner and the outer world.

With elements of suspense, this is a cross between a pulp romance and a literary novel about the human existence. Kind of like Paul Auster meeting Ann Bannon. While the style of the writing is quite typical of the pulp fiction movement, the content offers food for thought.

The melange might seem obnoxious but it isn’t - it works, it grips you, you have to know what happens to Carol.

There is also a lot of humour, albeit somewhat dark, and Therese, the narrator, offers a candid view of New York.

This is a classic. Absolutely recommended.

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