Bittersweet

The pioneer setting and the hard-scrabble life described in Bittersweet, reminded me of Isobel Miller's now-classic lesbian novel, Patience and Sarah. Barr's book, even with a few first-novel flaws, is a far better book than Miller's and well worth reading for its very authentic picture of life in the mid-19th century for two women who love each other. Also, I encourage any reader interested in researching these so-called Boston marriages to read one or another of Lillian Faderman nonfiction books.

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.

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.