Diana: A Strange Autobiography (The Cutting Edge : Lesbian Life and Literature Series)

Rating:
Summary: The Endearing Honesty of A Woman's Life
Review: My husband happened upon a copy of the original book in a thrift store and brought it home. It has now found a place of honor on my shelves. It takes you on Diana's journey through her self-discovery as a lesbian, through her brother's rejection of it, to the pain of heartbreak, to the lover that was a recurring interference, and to finally resting comfortably and contendly in the arms of the love that would be to stay. The book takes you through her childhood, her travels, and her education. She presents the story of a lesbian who is not out to emmasculate men, nor to promote women as the supreme goddess. She simply walked the road of her soul.

Rating:
Summary: Curiosity is why I read this book and it was amazing!
Review: This book had me curious to begin with. It was written in 1939 and I was just fascinated with how it was like for a lesbian in that period. I loved the way the chapters were written and her introduction to the characters made me want to turn the page even more. I loved her psychology references as she attempts to explain why she and other's in her life are lesbians. It was enlightening to read her perspective of that time of life. I really enjoyed this book, however the words and lingo used in 1939 are quite different than the way we talk now. Even though I was expecting this.....I was marveled by how much I didn't know. This book I was going to share this book but I am keeping this one for my bookshelf!

Rating:
Summary: Compelling and realistic
Review: This book was originally published in 1935. I was surprised to find that it was an honest, realistic telling of one woman's journey to accepting her orientation and owning love. No sensationalism here. One of the scenes was so startlingly similar to an experience of mine that I felt the hairs on the back of my neck raise. A lesbian-positive book that really brings forth the idea of authentic living and how to get there. That it was written 30 years before I was born gives me courage--if she emerged from her journey whole, then so can I.