This book is one of those books you think about when you’re alone… Or at the very least that was what it meant to me after finishing it, as I catch myself thinking of it frequently when I am alone.
The protagonist is a determined woman with a tough, oppressive life from the get-go, but throughout the multitude of shifting monetary fortunes and differing sexist realities she faces growing up, her bold confidence and unapologetic pride in her autonomy shines so brightly until the last page. Rita Mae Brown, the author, writes in a style so stark in contrast to the blushing feelings of sapphic love: gritty and roughly-hewn descriptions fill the darkly humorous world of the protagonist, and Floridian 70s lifestyle, prejudices, and colorful swearing is strewn in every chapter… Yet, the tender lesbian love she carries throughout her life is still as tender, and as obvious, at every stage.
People are so sure of themselves over the most trivial connection (horoscopey and witchy people, I’m talking about you), so why is it so bizarre to really know who you are by really knowing what your sexuality is? Maybe finding yourself is to really listen to yourself, even if the self-reflection is sexual, and that enjoying your sexuality should be a healthy and normalized eat-pray-love self-help guide, the way “finding a hobby” is (lol).
I am bounded by the strict threads of conservative, capitalistic society, but the warm embrace of a woman is a lovely thought I conjure far too many times for comfort, for living under the weight of the subtle yet wholly exploitative patriarchy in my own world, leaves me frequently exhausted and hollow. This book reminds me, proudly, of autumn days with her in college, and that our love, in whatever capacity, existed, and in that contained, brief world, it was perfect. Also," rubyfruit jungle" is possibly the best sexual euphemism coined. Read the book to find out why it's called what it's called *wink*.
If you want to read a book for Pride Month (Happy Pride Month my queer friends!), and if you like unbridled descriptions ala a Southern drawl of a tale, then you’re in for a treat.
4.5/5
Comentários