This anthology (lesbian paperback fiction from 1950 – 1965) is worth reading both for its historical value and, often, for the writing itself. I came out in the 80s, so I missed all this, and it was quite fascinating to become acquainted with such famous characters as Beebo Brinker. I was mesmerized.

Prevailing social beliefs are revealed – and you can see how they change in the fifteen years that are represented – but the characters themselves are motivated by love and desire. Even when they are terribly wounded by the attitudes of the times, they break through the taboos and find each other. ( )

This anthology (lesbian paperback fiction from 1950 – 1965) is worth reading both for its historical value and, often, for the writing itself. I came out in the 80s, so I missed all this, and it was quite fascinating to become acquainted with such famous characters as Beebo Brinker. I was mesmerized.

Prevailing social beliefs are revealed – and you can see how they change in the fifteen years that are represented – but the characters themselves are motivated by love and desire. Even when they are terribly wounded by the attitudes of the times, they break through the taboos and find each other. ( )

Lesbian pulp fiction intrigues me. There's something...different...about these books from the fifties and sixties. Some of them are poorly written, and many of them have unrealistic parts to them, but still, the books are important to our queer history and culture. They're like mini-time capsules, and every time I finish reading one, I find myself thankful that I live in the present.

Katherine V. Forrest's introduction is worth the price of the book alone, in my opinion. I am queer in a rural area, but I have the internet, and online bookstores, and e-readers to find community and literature. Forrest didn't have any of that. I do know, however, what it feels like to discover that one isn't alone, that there are other women out there like us, and how nerve-wracking it is to march up to a counter and purchase a book like that (usually with somewhat suggestive covers - mine was Ann Bannon's "Odd Girl Out" with two women kissing in silhouette).

And the excerpts themselves are interesting, as well. There are some real pulp gems, and I added a few different pulps to my "to be read" pile because of this book.

Altogether, recommended - not necessarily for the literary value (although some of the excerpts, even today, are pretty good), but for historical/cultural value. ( )