Price of Salt

I had actually never heard of this book before I began reading it this weekend. I think this novel, or the beginning of it anyway, offers a really nice interpretation of the dire consequences, or at least daily annoyances, that were associated with being gay in the 1950’s, far before our society became much more accepting. By following two women and their journey for love and happiness, I think Highsmith will really be able to put the issues of lesbianism to the forefront of the story but tie them to much larger human issues.

I appreciate also how Highsmith has chosen to write the story—we develop an understanding and sympathy for Teresa without need a first person narrator. On that note, watching the relationship progress from feelings of school girl crushes to immense love and romance is very interesting from a third person perspective. Teresa’s turmoil and confusion is apparent but we still maintain an outsiders perspective is very powerful.

I did a bit of research on the novel. One thing to note is that Highsmith wrote it under a pseudonym. I feel like this directly ties to the desperate need of a novel presenting the viewpoint of the gay community at the time.