I was intrigued by the concept behind this story reading the blurb and the story did not disappoint. A story that will stay with me for a long while after 🩵
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Thank you to Bonnier Books UK, Manilla Press + NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review The Divorceés before it publishes on 28th March 2024 #TheDivorcees #NetGalley

📚The Divorcees by Rowan Beaird.

This is another American debut novel from writer Rowan Beaird focusing ont he relationships of two women who have come to Nevada int he 1950s seeking to take advantage of their more relaxed divorce laws. When shy and self-effacing Lois meets New York society girl Greer she falls under the spell of this much stronger woman and the life that she offers but something much darker is lurking beneath the glitter.

I picked this up thinking that it would perhaps be a much more commercial read than I usually go for. However I found the writing pacy and intricate and the relationship between the two women with its mixture of sexual admiration and rebellion captivated me from the start. This is the female version of The Talented Mr Ripley and actually was everything that I had hoped Lessons in Chemistry was going to be. The novel captures a spirit more tan anything and the adventure of Lois becoming a woman outside of marriage and her family intermingled with the darker story of Greer and all that they mean to each other make this the perfect pacy read.

I had no idea that in the mid-20th century Nevada was the divorce capital of the USA. Anyone able to prove at least 6 weeks residence there could be granted a divorce. This led to an industry of ranches providing accommodation and chaperoning for women seeking a divorce from their husbands. What a great idea for a book, and Rowan Beaird has made the most of the concept and provided us with an insight into the lives of those living at one of the more upmarket ranches in Reno, The Golden Yarrow.
I really enjoyed it - but I am struggling to pinhole what sort of book it is. Well-written, complex and dark, in places it was almost a thriller. Whatever genre you put this interesting debut in, it is engaging, classy, thought provoking and a real page turner. It would make a really good book club choice, as there is so much to talk about.
I am excited to see what Beaird comes up with next - she is definitely one to watch. Her research and attention to detail is excellent. I have no hesitation in giving The Divorcees five stars.
(I also wouldn't be surprised to see this book become a film, which the main character Lois would absolutely love!)

I loved this. I loved this. I loved this.

Reading it by the pool on holiday was a great decision. It made my trip to Tuscany and I have told everyone I know to buy it immediately. Please, I urge you to do the same.

An amazing debut novel from Rowan Beaird. A glimpse into a time when divorcees were treated with contempt, but divorce created a growth economy in Reno. A fascinating juxtaposition between women used to cocktails and trust funds, and cowboys in the Nevada desert.
It crackled with tension throughout, firstly with Lois being somewhat ostracised by the monied women at Golden Yarrow Ranch, and then in their uninhibited behavior at watering holes and casinos in Reno, where we always feel that something dreadful will happen.
The arrival of mysterious and beguiling Greer changes everything for Lois. She becomes bolder and changes before our eyes. Greer is a change agent with her views on men, and by the end of the book most of the women have undergone a transformation. For some their future still revolves around remarriage as soon as possible. The women at Golden Yarrow are mostly wealthy socialites but we also see a busy cabal of waitresses and shop assistants also doing their 6 weeks in Reno. Enjoyed it immensely.

This book intrigued me because I felt like there was so much potential for female friendship, growth, and self exploration but unfortunately, it fell flat for me

I was given a complimentary copy of this book to review. I loved the characters and I romped through the book, enjoying it immensely. A good summer holiday read. My only negative was I felt the ending was rather abrupt and left me wanting answers; perhaps that's a good thing?

I was absolutely entranced by The Divorcees. Beautiful and stylish, with a wonderful 50s setting, I was captivated by all the characters. Add to that an underlying dark tension and you have a perfect page turner. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book looks at primarily the relationship between two women who meet at a camp for those seeking a divorce. The story is a definitely a slow burner as it takes you on a journey of these women, their pasts and their different characteristics. The main character Lois, seeks comfort in her relationship with Greer - who is much more of a free spirit and a rebellion.

While I enjoyed the first half of the book - I felt the second half went a little around the houses and the ending was a little too open ended for my liking. Although some nice quotes found throughout and the book left an overall humbling feeling.

This sharply observed, stylish novel is a compelling read. Based around a group of women at a ‘divorce ranch’ in Nevada it looks at family, sex, female friendship and dynamics through the lens of the narrator and the woman they all become obsessed with, Greer.

The book has an interesting setting- women who have to 'live' in Reno for six weeks in order to get a divorce, I had no idea that this was a thing. They went off to stay on ranches with other women and went to casinos and nightclubs to pass the time.
Amongst this eclectic group of women one has a magnetic pull over all of the others and sweeps them along with her schemes. It becomes apparent that she is not all she appears to be and our rather naive heroine is getting in too deep.

I enjoyed both parts of this book; the setting and the plot. However the balance between the two was too heavily loaded on the scene setting, it was a rather slow start. I wanted more plotting, scheming and wickedness earlier on, rather than more and more descriptions of lost women and useless husbands.

It is an enjoyable read, it just could have been excellent if there was more pace.

Absolutely enjoyed this gem of a book. Unlike anything I’ve read before! Will keep an eye out for this author.

Assume the role of a young, married lady in the 1950s. unhappy union. What choices do you have? Similar to how you were treated by your father before you were married, you are essentially seen as your husband's property, with no ideas or rights that are acceptable. Property. Introducing Lois, a four-year married woman who neither wants nor fits the traditional wife role.

Lois comes to the realisation that she has been alone throughout her whole life—both as a child and as an adult married to someone else. Living in what she perceives to be a loveless marriage, she believes that the only way she can obtain the necessary grounds for divorce is by spending six weeks at a divorce ranch in Reno, Nevada. Her father, who is emotionally distant from her, consents to pay for her stay at the Golden Yarrow, the most prestigious divorce ranch.

Lois believes she has finally found the excitement she has been lacking in her life when the stunning, brave, and bruised Greer appears in her life. Greer challenges her to accomplish things that Lois would never do on her own, and the two forge a bond that Lois has never experienced. Greer encourages people to be brave and open about their lives, yet she doesn't talk much about her own history. A captivating story of longing, education, friendship, and personal development is woven by Rowan Beaird.

I loved delving into this well-crafted read about Lois, who spends six weeks at a Reno divorce ranch to “qualify” for a divorce. A thought-provoking story that offers an intriguing perspective on female friendships in the 1950s.

Lois meets Greer at a ranch for divorcees in 1950's Reno. At that time, women could move to Nevada to obtain a quickie divorce after 6 weeks residency. The ranch owners would certify that the women had been there for the duration. Lois goes there to get a divorce and meets Greer from New York, who is beautiful, bold, and completely unconventional. She causes disruption amongst the residents of the ranch and gets especially close to Lois, and they make plans for their future. It's a gripping read, with strong characters and an unexpected plot twist. The ending is lovely showing that there is more than one route to get to the life you want.

Lois needs a divorce, so her controlling and wealthy father has paid for her to go to an upmarket "divorce" ranch in Nevada where in the 1950's you could acquire a divorce if you were resident there for six weeks. Lois is not relishing the idea of spending six weeks cooped up with other women on the ranch nor taking part in ranch activities such as horseriding and communal meals but her life changes when Greer, a woman like no other she has met, arrives. I really like the premise of the book, I knew about Nevada quickie divorces (that celebs often acquired) but I had not heard about the ranches. However, I found the pacing of the book languid and too slow so the narrative felt a bit plodding.

A beautifully written and thought-provoking story with compelling characters. I would have loved to see the perspectives of the other women staying on the ranch.

This story follows Lois as she navigates a divorce in the 1950s; which is quite a scandal. She goes to a divorce ranch in Reno, where she must stay for six weeks, before being granted her divorce.

This book is really well-written with interesting viewpoints on female friendships.

Unfortunately, this book didn’t quite hit the mark with me and I found it to be very slowly paced. There was a lack of action throughout and I found the main character to be a bit dry.

Thank you to NetGalley and Bonnier Books for the eARC.

In the 1950s, unhappiness was hardly a valid reason for divorce - except in Nevada.

Hence the divorce ranches in Reno. Because the state's only requirement is six weeks' residency beforehand.

And so Lois finds herself holed up at the Golden Yarrow, the divorce ranch for the well-to-do. It's light years away from Lake Forest, Illinois.

And then Greer Lang arrives...

I really enjoyed reading this book and seeing the characters develop throughout and live / develop their new lives in their own ways.