Side by Side

I just want to say that if you want to read this book, you will benefit by reading Patience & Sarah first (or at least the first half), also by Miller. There are many very deep parellels to these two books, and I imagine it would be rather difficult to fully enjoy this novel without the other.

I totally agree with the below review by Susan Mullarky. This is a terrific novel that should not be missed. This is a timeless classic so well written you know the author lived in the times depicted. I was a child in the sixties and this novel opened that decade up for me. It's simply a delicious novel. You actually feel the deep emotion that they have for each other. It's so strong that you sometimes forget the humor that is laced throughout. There is as much depth in one chapter as you will get in entire novels. The writing simply flows and you don't put the book down until you notice the day has gone dark and lunch and dinner time have passed you by. Wonderful characters so rich in details that you wonder about them long after the novel ends. I couldn't be happier by the authors other books - if you enjoyed Side by Side you will be delighted with Patience and Sarah. You will not find a better novel to read -

This story does not follow the standard recipe for a romance. In Side by Side, two girls fall in love, are discovered and separated by their families, and find each other again to live out a happy ending. Miller does a nice job working through the issues surrounding coming out, both to one's self and to society/family. This book is a must for girls struggling with their sexual identity.

This is one of those books that after you are done you may not spend hours thinking about the plot, but you will always remember Sharon and Patricia. What a wonderful story. Who said that happy endings are not "in" anymore? It's nice to read a story about two women who overcome what they have to in order to be together. Sharon and Patricia are neighbors who are drwan to each other from early childhoood. They have an unbreakable bond in spite of their families, and later in life find each other again. Heart warming, funny, down to earth is the best way I can find to describe this wonderful book.

If you have ever wondered what it is like to be a lesbian from birth to adulthood and beyond this marvelous little story by Isabel Miller defines that life. The author clearly describes the innocence of youthful budding sexuality of two girls. As they mature they learn their love is considered 'un-natural' by their family and society. The actions taken by their families when they learn of this love and physically seperate these young women clearly impacts these women profoundly . Nevertheless the hardships forced upon them never changes the love they have for one another. Their love for one another will touch your heart.