Desert of the Heart cover art

Desert of the Heart

A Novel

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Desert of the Heart

By: Jane Rule
Narrated by: Traci Odom
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About this listen

"A landmark work of lesbian fiction" and the basis for the acclaimed film Desert Hearts (The New York Times).

Against the backdrop of Reno, Nevada, in the late 1950s, award-winning author Jane Rule chronicles a love affair between two women.

When Desert of the Heart opens, Evelyn Hall is on a plane that will take her from her old life in Oakland, California, to Reno, where she plans to divorce her husband of 16 years. A voluntary exile in a brave new world, she meets a woman who will change her life.

Fifteen years younger, Ann Childs works as a change apron in a casino. Evelyn is instantly drawn to the fiercely independent Ann, and their friendship soon evolves into a romantic relationship. An English professor who had always led a conventional life, Evelyn suddenly finds all her beliefs about love, morality, and identity called into question. Peopled by a cast of unforgettable characters, this is a novel that dares to ask whether love between two women can last.

Contains mature themes.

©1964 Jane Rule (P)2020 Tantor Classics Fiction Gay Studies Genre Fiction LGBTQ+ Studies Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Love, Dating & Attraction Relationships Romance Women's Fiction

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All stars
Most relevant  
This is a book I have enjoyed reading several times after seeing the film adaptation Desert Hearts and I have enjoyed it even more so as an audio book.

Desert Hearts

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I didn’t know what to expect going into Desert Hearts, but it has taken me on a captivating and worthwhile journey and I feel I needed to recommend it (especially now it’s on plus catalogue!) . The book offers some unique glimpses into the lives of gay/bi/ queer women in the 1950s, their relationships, fears, desires, and the societal the norms of the time. Rule's storytelling feels honest and to me very much ahead of its time, offering a unique perspective on love and identity.

I haven't watched the movie adaptation yet but from the comment I anticipate it may differ from the book. Nevertheless, I thoroughly enjoyed the novel for its depth and insight. It has some affinities with the intense romance of "Carol" AKA "The Price of Salt," but Desert Hearts (for me) is a more subdued yet still engaging narrative. I appreciated the glimpses into the world of casinos and change girls, which added a different dimension to the story. Overall, I would say that Desert Hearts is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that transports readers to a different world and time.

Definitely worth reading

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I sort of enjoyed this audio but cannot recommend it as enjoyable ! This can not be defined as some HEA romance, there is too much angst for that. The book and The Film 'Desert Hearts' are like two separate storylines, so go into this knowing that.
I wanted more for Evelyn and Anne or maybe more for me. I guess when this was written the author needed to be careful of the subject and the written word ?

I sort of......

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The women in the book and their self discovery, also the loss of their identity. Beautiful story.

Self discovery

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Struggled to listen to narrator. As a fan of the movie I was looking forward to listening to this but sadly I couldn’t get into it.

Let down by the narrator.

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