Jane Rule writes in a beautiful style which will capture you. Added to that is the story and the characters of the protagonists. Vivien is a 30 something English professor at a prestigious Californian University in the 1960’s. She travels to Reno in order to obtain a ’quick’ divorce from her husband. She has been married for the last15 years and obviously going through a difficult emotional state. She boards at a ranch house where she comes across the unconventional and attractive Kay and sparks fly between them.
Vivien has to stay for 6 weeks because Nevada Law states that the divorcee must be a resident of the State for at least this period. Kay, the daughter of Vivien?s land-lady is a college drop out who works at the local casino. Her vibrant youthful nature is quite a contrast with the serious Vivien who is also 13 years her senior. But when it comes to love and attraction then you might expect the strangest of things. Kay’s sexual orientation and attitude hit Vivien who can hardly help herself from being seduced by the determined Kay. The young girl?s personality pierces the serious professor?s maturity.
All this happens much to the horror of Kay’s step-mother whose mind is narrowed by the social norms of 1960’s America.
Characters
It’s 1959, so you should not expect 2005 modernism from the characters. Vivien Bell is smart and reserved. After all she is an English Professor. She does have a prim formal air about her and not candid at all. Its difficult for her to admit her attraction for Kay.
Kay on the other hand refuses to be bound by convention or by expectations of how a nice girl should behave. She is beautiful and smart too and no wonder the handsome casino owner for whom she works also falls for her.
Self Discovery
This is the delicious element in the book. How difficult it is to face yourself and give in to your secret desires.
Read the book or watch the movie ’Desert Hearts’ to know what is the outcome.