Carol - Patricia Highsmith
its strongest statement may be as an indication of progress in being able to talk about these sorts of things
| 15 Jul 2006
My edition of the book is covered with claims that it's "the scandalous novel that anticipated Nabokov's Lolita." The only thing I found truly shocking is how long it took Therese to figure out why she can't seem to muster much enthusiasm for her sweet would-be boyfriend but harbours overwhelming emotions for a moody 30-something woman. In 1951, however, these things weren't discussed with appropriate honesty. Although much of the book is surprisingly relevant to present-day issues of sexuality and society, its strongest statement may be as an indication of progress in being able to talk about these sorts of things. [Erik Hinzpeter]
Out now.