The Price of Salt, or Carol

Patricia Highsmith's story of romantic obsession may be one of the most important, but still largely unrecognized, novels of the twentieth century. First published in 1952 and touted as "the novel of a love that society forbids," the book soon became a cult classic. Based on a true story plucked from Highsmith's own life, The Price of Salt (or Carol) tells the riveting drama of Therese Belivet, a stage designer trapped in a department-store day job, whose routine is forever shattered by a gorgeous epiphany-the appearance of Carol Aird, a customer who comes in to buy her daughter a Christmas toy. Therese begins to gravitate toward the alluring suburban housewife, who is trapped in a marriage as stultifying as Therese's job. They fall in love and set out across the United States, ensnared by society's confines and the imminent disapproval of others, yet propelled by their infatuation. The Price of Salt is a brilliantly written story that may surprise Highsmith fans and will delight those discovering her work.

Patricia Highsmith's story of romantic obsession may be one of the most important, but still largely unrecognized, novels of the twentieth century. First published in 1952 and touted as "the novel of a love that society forbids," the book soon became a cult classic. Based on a true story plucked from Highsmith's own life, The Price of Salt (or Carol) tells the riveting drama of Therese Belivet, a stage designer trapped in a department-store day job, whose routine is forever shattered by a gorgeous epiphany-the appearance of Carol Aird, a customer who comes in to buy her daughter a Christmas toy. Therese begins to gravitate toward the alluring suburban housewife, who is trapped in a marriage as stultifying as Therese's job. They fall in love and set out across the United States, ensnared by society's confines and the imminent disapproval of others, yet propelled by their infatuation. The Price of Salt is a brilliantly written story that may surprise Highsmith fans and will delight those discovering her work.

An unlikely encounter between Therese, a young sales clerk, and Carol, a lonely homemaker, leads to an amorous romance in this classic work of lesbian fiction. Struggling against the oppressive routines of their daily lives and the strict social norms governing mid-century femininity, the new lovers take to the open road where their new relationship can thrive. But their dreamy, blissful adventure is sharply interrupted when Carol must make a difficult choice between her child and her lover. Patricia Highsmith is famous for penning thrillers like Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley , but her keen ability to create compelling characters and narratives truly shines in this oft-overlooked classic. Published under a pseudonym in 1952, Highsmith's lyrical prose and sensitive, well-rounded treatment of lesbian characters marked a significant departure from the stereotyped lesbian pulp fiction that had historically dominated the marketplace. A work that demands our respect and attention, The Price of Salt is an honest and profound meditation on love and the importance of following one's heart.

An unlikely encounter between Therese, a young sales clerk, and Carol, a lonely homemaker, leads to an amorous romance in this classic work of lesbian fiction. Struggling against the oppressive routines of their daily lives and the strict social norms governing mid-century femininity, the new lovers take to the open road where their new relationship can thrive. But their dreamy, blissful adventure is sharply interrupted when Carol must make a difficult choice between her child and her lover. Patricia Highsmith is famous for penning thrillers like Strangers on a Train and The Talented Mr. Ripley , but her keen ability to create compelling characters and narratives truly shines in this oft-overlooked classic. Published under a pseudonym in 1952, Highsmith's lyrical prose and sensitive, well-rounded treatment of lesbian characters marked a significant departure from the stereotyped lesbian pulp fiction that had historically dominated the marketplace. A work that demands our respect and attention, The Price of Salt is an honest and profound meditation on love and the importance of following one's heart.