The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird

ARC from Flatiron for an honest review

Book Blurb:

Lois Saunders thought marrying the right man would cure her loneliness, but as picture-perfect as her husband is, she is suffocating in their loveless marriage. In 1951, though, unhappiness is hardly grounds for divorce―except in Reno, Nevada. At the Golden Yarrow, the most respectable of Reno’s famous “divorce ranches,” Lois finds herself living with half a dozen other would-be divorcées, all in Reno for the six weeks’ residency that is the state’s only divorce requirement. They spend their days riding horses and their nights flirting with cowboys, and it’s as wild and fun as Lake Forest, Illinois, is prim and stifling. But it isn’t until Greer Lang arrives that Lois’s world truly cracks open. Gorgeous, beguiling, and completely indifferent to societal convention, Greer is unlike anyone Lois has ever met―and she sees something in Lois that no one else ever has. Under her influence, Lois begins to push against the limits that have always restrained her. But how much can she really trust her mysterious new friend? And how far will she go to forge her independence, on her own terms?

My Review: 3.5 stars

Click here to order on Amazon

The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird is a literary novel that brings divorce ranches to life from 1950s Reno. In 1931, gambling became legal in Nevada and the residency stay for a divorce was lessened to six weeks rather than the previous time of three months. This allowed women to come to the ranches to work or do whatever they pleased, as long as they stayed in town for the 42 required days.

This book introduces the reader to the full group of characters that are at the ranch, but it’s really about two main characters that the narrative zooms in on. Lois is a liar and a woman who is quite uncomfortable in her own skin, while Greer is a powerful and somewhat dangerous woman to trust. These two bring unparalleled complexities and cause quite a bit of upheaval as the story progresses.

The characters were developed with a sparse and economic use of words. I think that comes from the author’s background of writing poetry and short stories. The plot was driven by the slow burn of Lois and Greer’s friendship blossoming. It took until the last quarter of the book for some of action to ensue and was followed by a satisfying ending.

Overall, the book is smart, interesting and well written, but be aware that the pace is deliberately measured. I look forward to what’s next from this author.