And the Most Important Lesbian Novels of the 20th Century are…
Katherine V. Forrest’s classic love story, Curious Wine, has been chosen as the most important lesbian novel of the 20th century by popular vote during Bywater Books’ Celebration of Reading at Provincetown’s Women’s Week
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First published in 1983, Curious Wine immediately claimed a place in the heart of its readers. Amazon.com describes it thus: "The intimacy of a cabin at Lake Tahoe provides the combustible setting that brings Diana Holland and Lane Christianson together in this passionate novel of first discovery. Candid in its eroticism, intensely romantic, and remarkably beautiful, Katherine V. Forrest’s Curious Wine is a love story that will remain in your memory."
The Top Ten
-
Curious Wine
by Katherine V. Forrest -
Oranges are not the Only Fruit
by Jeanette Winterson -
The Price of Salt
by Patricia Highsmith -
Zami: A New Spelling of My Name
by Audre Lorde -
Desert of the Heart
by Jane Rule -
Rubyfruit Jungle
by Rita Mae Brown -
Patience and Sarah
by Isabel Miller -
The Sea of Light
by Jenifer Levin -
Beyond the Pale
by Elana Dykewomon -
Trouble and Her Friends
by Melissa Scott
How the books were selected:
The Big Lesbian Read, a summer-long online poll at Bywater’s website, produced a shortlist of ten titles and, in a caucus-style vote during Provincetown’s Women’s Week, Bywater authors championed the top five titles.
After a vigorous debate, Marianne K. Martin’s advocacy helped Curious Wine across the finishing line ahead of Jeanette Winterson’s Oranges Are Not the Only Fruit, supported by fellow Brit Val McDermid
Martin said, "Beyond the strong story, this book validated the lives of thousands of readers who were searching for their place in the world. It’s a worthy winner.
The other three shortlisted titles were: The Price of Salt by Patricia Highsmith, supported by Jill Malone; Zami: A New Spelling of My Name by Audre Lorde, supported by Cynn Chadwick; and Desert of the Heart by Jane Rule, supported by Mari SanGiovanni
Bywater publisher Kelly Smith said, "It’s been fascinating to see the range of titles our readers nominated for this poll. It reminded me how many fine novels there are in our heritage. The audience obviously found it hard to choose between the finalists, but Curious Wine has a devoted readership who love this book, and that’s what won the day."
