The Divorcées

by Rowan Beaird
The Divorcées cover
Good Books rating 3.91
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  • ID: 398
  • Added: 2025-09-10
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • Reviews: 4
Reviews
booksaremyfavouriteandbest.com · Unknown · 2025-09-23
captivating 4.50

The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird is a captivating and well-researched novel that delves into the lives of women navigating the complexities of divorce in the 1930s. The author's attention to historical detail and the emotional depth of the characters make it a compelling read.

The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird is a beautifully crafted novel that offers a unique perspective on the societal norms and personal struggles of women in the 1930s. The story is rich with historical detail, and the characters are portrayed with such depth and authenticity that readers can't help but become invested in their journeys. The author's ability to weave together personal narratives with broader historical context makes this book a standout. While the plot may sometimes feel slow, the emotional resonance and the exploration of themes like resilience and self-discovery more than make up for it. It's a book that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

Quick quotes

    The Divorcées is a beautifully written and deeply moving novel that captures the essence of a transformative era.

    Rowan Beaird's meticulous research and vivid storytelling bring the 1930s to life in a way that is both engaging and enlightening.

    The characters in The Divorcées are so well-developed and relatable that readers will find themselves rooting for them every step of the way.

netgalley.co.uk · Unknown · 2024-03-28
compelling 4.25

The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird offers a vivid portrayal of women navigating divorce in 1950s Nevada. The friendship between Lois and Greer is the heart of the story, though the prose occasionally feels overly stylized and some sexual content seems gratuitous.

Rowan Beaird's The Divorcées immerses readers in the world of 1950s Nevada, where women from privileged backgrounds stay at a ranch to establish residency for quick divorces. The story centers on Lois, a Chicagoan who forms an unlikely friendship with Greer, a woman with a mysterious past and a bruised face. Their bond deepens as they explore casinos and experience newfound freedom. The novel's strength lies in its well-developed characters and rich historical setting. However, the language sometimes feels overly MFA-influenced, and brief sexual scenes add little to the narrative. Despite these minor flaws, the book is engaging and thought-provoking, offering a compelling look at women's experiences during this era.

Quick quotes

    …it’s not that they act like men, but like girls when no men are present….

    But after we were married he began to act so differently….criticizing…. Whenever he was in the house I was scared to breathe. And then….I thought I was pregnant…terrified at the thought I’d be truly stuck and helpless….I got my period….I realized I had to leave…I just felt that if I stayed with him I’d not explode…but …collapse in on myself, that I would disappear….

    …there’s a vertigo to his presence…._

theguardian.com · Unknown · 2024-03-24
engaging 3.00

The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird is a historical novel set in 1951 Reno, Nevada, focusing on Lois Saunders' journey to independence. The atmospheric details and exploration of mother-daughter relationships are well-done, though a late plot twist disrupts the otherwise engaging character study.

The Divorcées by Rowan Beaird is a captivating historical novel that delves into the life of Lois Saunders, a woman seeking divorce in 1951 Reno, Nevada. The story is rich with atmospheric details, from dusty trail rides to nights in casinos, and offers a fascinating glimpse into the divorce ranches of the era. Lois's relationship with the mysterious Greer Lang is particularly compelling, as it pushes her to challenge societal norms and rediscover her independence. The novel also touches on the complex dynamics of mother-daughter relationships, adding depth to Lois's character. However, a significant plot twist toward the end disrupts the pace, shifting the focus from a character-driven narrative to a more intense storyline. While this twist adds tension, it somewhat detracts from the otherwise engaging exploration of Lois's personal growth.

Quick quotes

    Pretend we’re in a movie, he would say before they went to a dinner party, but she wasn’t sure how to, as no one was there to give her the lines.

    The wildest place she’s been is the woods outside of Chicago, where her mother would sometimes take her on Sunday drives, pulling alongside a stretch of forest just so they could open their lungs and yell.

    Upstairs, Lois orders a French 75 — a drink that should be sipped, the champagne’s prickling bubbles ensuring she won’t swallow it in one gulp.

hopewellslibraryoflife.wordpress.com · Unknown · 2024-02-19
engaging 3.90

The Divorcees is a character-driven novel set in 1950s Nevada, focusing on Lois Saunders and her experiences at a divorce ranch. The story explores themes of personal growth, friendship, and the societal constraints of the time. The atmospheric setting and well-developed characters make it a compelling read, though some found the pace slow.

The Divorcees by Rowan Beaird is a character-driven novel set in 1950s Nevada, where Lois Saunders and a group of women spend six weeks at a divorce ranch while waiting for their divorces to come through. The story delves into Lois's personal journey, her relationships with the other women, and the societal pressures of the time. The atmospheric setting and well-developed characters, particularly Lois and the manipulative Greer Lang, make the book engaging. While some readers found the pace slow, others appreciated the depth of the characters and the exploration of themes like personal growth and friendship. The novel offers a unique glimpse into the divorce culture of the 1950s and the struggles women faced during that era.

Quick quotes

    I enjoyed it a lot.

    Such a fantastic read, really slow novel to begin with but I stuck with it and towards the end I was hooker.

    The story takes some unexpected turns but maintains its languorous pace throughout - don’t expect a thrilling ride.

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