The Price of Salt

2016 Reprint of 1952 Edition. "The Price of Salt" is Highsmith's only lesbian novel. She is best known for her Ripley detective novels. It is a fairly realistic look at lesbian life in the 1950s. Originally published under the pseudonym Claire Morgan to protect Highsmith's identity, this novel tells the story of two women and the decision each had to make. "For Therese happiness meant risking her future, for Carol, it meant sacrificing her past, and for neither could the happiness, if chosen, be assured, for it lay outside of convention, scorned by society, condemned by law."---From the cover flap. Unlike other lesbian novels of the time, this struck a positive note for the relationship, making it a political statement of sorts and an enduring classic of the genre.

The Price of Salt is a groundbreaking novel that, when first published under a pseudonym, redefined literary romance. This compelling narrative follows two women whose chance encounter blossoms into an intimate connection that challenges the social conventions of 1950s America. With lyrical prose and authentic emotional depth, the author crafts a story of self-discovery and forbidden love that resonates across generations. A landmark work in LGBTQ+ literature, this novel offers readers a tender yet defiant exploration of desire, identity, and the courage required to live authentically. Essential reading for those seeking meaningful character-driven fiction with historical significance.