Carol - The Price of Salt

By: Patricia Highsmith

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

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.

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.

The Price of Salt is the basis for the upcoming film Carol, starring Rooney Mara, Cate Blanchett, and Kyle Chandler, to be released December 18, 2015.

©2015 Patricia Highsmith (P)2015 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

The story of two very strong women

STORY (romance) - This book is a beautifully written story of a very deep, romantic love between Therese (about 20) and Carol (30-something). Carol is a rich society woman getting a divorce and battling for custody of her daughter. Therese is young, trying to find her place in the world and in a relationship with Richard that just doesn't feel right for some reason. When Therese and Carol meet, the attraction is immediate but awkward. The emotions flourish, but openly being lesbian in the 1950's was much more difficult than it is today.

This is not a trashy lesbian story. In fact, there are only a couple extremely short references to sex, and they're very vague and tastefully done. The characters of Therese and Carol are deeply explored, and you will come to understand the love between them and how it gives them strength to face the problems it causes. Carol is wealthy and they take a long road trip together, so much of the book is them driving, dining in restaurants and meeting people in different towns, etc. There isn't a bunch of twists or suspense in the story, as it's more about the characters and their relationship. I liked the ending.

PERFORMANCE - Good job.

OVERALL - There is no violence or cursing and only the mild sexual references mentioned above. I am not gay or lesbian but I enjoyed the book, although it was a bit slow-moving.

Not just a brilliant reflection on love....

This book not only has gorgeous prose about love but also shows the struggles of mid-century LGBT people. Wonderful on its own merits in every way. Transcends all genres that it could be lumped into. I disdain romance novels but this is amazing.

High expectations with a let down all around.

Struggled to finish the book. The narration was flat and monotone. Would wait for the movie.

great book. very entertaining

loved it and didn't want it to stop. really love the characters and the way the author and narrator brought them alive.

Absolutely beautiful.

The performance, the writing, the emotion... This book will never disappoint. Flung out of space.