Bittersweet

Rating:
Summary: Reads like an uber, as moving as "Cold Mountain"
Review: A beautifully written and very poignant (look at the title) lesbian love story set in "olden times." This would make a great film. I intend reading her mystery novels based on the strength of her writing here. But someone should give this book a better editing job, the typos are glaring and look as though someone let the spellcheck do the work for them instead of re-reading the manuscript for comprehension and it replaced words with some very odd alternatives. This is a novel every bit as moving as "Cold Mountain" (which should've ended with the women in a relationship as a couple.)

Rating:
Summary: Love in struggle
Review: Barr's first novel is the story of two women trying to make a life together in the late 1800s in Pennsylvania and later in Nevada. It focuses more on the strengthening of Sarah than on the love she and Imogene share, which gives the book more potency than a run-of-the-mill love story. While not an uplifting story per se, this book is thoroughly enjoyable and captivating. I was reminded in some places of "Frontiers" by Michael Jensen and of "Tipping the Velvet" by Sarah Waters, where the sense of place and time is clear and beautifully woven into a strong story.

Rating:
Summary: Haunting
Review: I came to this novel as a reader of the Anna Pigeon series. As it was Nevada Barr's first novel, I expected far less than I got. There is no other word than "extraordinary" for this book. You are drawn into the period and its day-to-day small town and then desert life, in many ways like watching a movie -- visual in every detail. I was sorry to have it end and it haunted me for days. I hope the author will extend beyond the slightly formulaic Pigeon books again.

Rating:
Summary: A book for everyone
Review: I had read several of Nevada Barr's mysteries and found them thoroughly delightful. They vary from the traditional mystery by using a park ranger in place of the usual private eye. When I picked up Bittersweet, I expected another mystery. Instead, this is a wonderful emotion filled novel. As with her mysteries, Barr takes the traditional western and gives it a twist. Her heroines face the classic struggles on the range, but the antagonists are not always nature but are often human nature. That is, two women living in 19th century Nevada have to deal with everything men do plus the problems created by the stereotypes. This book was a very fine, enchanting read which still gives me enjoyment long after I have finished it.

Rating:
Summary: A Bittersweet Audio Presentation
Review: I just finished listening to the audio version of "Bittersweet." (My commutes are made so much easier with recorded books!) The title is most certainly appropriate to the story line! The characters were well developed and brought to life through the reader's individualized tones and inflections. I did NOT find it to be simply a story about two Lesbians, especially considering one character's reservations. Rather, Sarah and Imogene, together with the other characters, brought to life the prejudices and judgmental attitudes of 19th Century America. In spite of the strange twist about halfway through the book and the somewhat expected ending, I really enjoyed it. For those readers who listen to recorded books, I would highly recommend that you listen to this one!

Rating:
Summary: I loved this book!
Review: I really enjoyed reading this book. I picked it up on a whim, knowing nothing about it, but when I started reading it, I couldn't put it down. I was really moved by the devotion and genuine love between the two main characters, and I still find myself going back and rereading certain passages. I could relate to this book on so many levels, and I recommend it to others.

Rating:
Summary: Someone get me a gun...
Review: I thoroughly enjoyed all of Ms. Barr's other works of fiction, but good Lord, this book was depressing. I don't require happy endings to enjoy a book or movie, but this book had me thinking of taking a razor blade to my wrists. I enjoyed the characters, and certainly was affected by their plight, but DON'T read this book if your prescription for Prozac has run out.

Rating:
Summary: A book worth reading.
Review: I tried for the last two years to purchase a copy of this book, but it was out of print. While reading Nevada Barr's mysteries I was impressed by her talent, and I liked the person behind the writing. The credits listed Bittersweet as her first novel, so I started looking for it. The search was worth the effort. The novel exposes the problems of being a woman in 1800's America as much as it tells the story of a very loving woman and her impact on another woman. What a talented writer! What a valuable subject. I definitely recommend that you read this book.

Rating:
Summary: Not a copy
Review: of any other book I have read, deep issues are here but the book reads fast and stays with you like the smell of burning leaves in fall . . . when I grow up I hope I can write as well as Ms. Barr and I hope she never stops writing Anna Pigeon mysteries either. If you like her mysteries you will like this one too even if it is not nearly as light. The book is appropriately named as when you finish it that is just how you feel . . bittersweet.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent Writing
Review: The author is highly skilled at conveying her story, finely drawing her characters, and capturing the atmosphere of the 1800's.

This is THE most realistic novel I think I have ever read.

The lives of the two main characters, Imogene and Sarah, and people's reactions to their love for each other, and how it effects their lives--is right on the money.

They have almost impossible odds to overcome. They do find some
happiness, but just like in real life--everything isn't sunshine and rosebuds.

The only disappointment I had with this book was that the hetersexual acts were graphically reported, but we are denied
the sexual side of the lesbianism.