Ann Bannon was designated the “Queen of Lesbian Pulp” for authoring several landmark novels in the ’50s. Unlike many writers of the period, however, Bannon broke through the shame and isolation typically portrayed in lesbian pulps, offering instead characters who embraced their sexuality. With Beebo Brinker, Bannon introduces a butch 17-year-old farm girl newly arrived in Beat-era Greenwich Village.
Beebo Brinker (Lesbian Pulp Fiction)
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Amazon.com Review
When housewife Ann Bannon brought her first novel to a paperback publisher in the mid-1950s, the publisher skimmed the manuscript and told her to scrap everything but the college love affair between two women. "There's your real story," he said as she blushed, ashamed that her secret obsession had been so obvious to him. The resulting novel was Odd Girl Out, one of the bestselling paperbacks of the period, and perhaps the best (and least depressing) example of lesbian pulp fiction, a genre that flourished from the end of the Second World War until the changing laws on censorship made much seamier material commonplace, and the growing gay rights movement brought the gay life out of the shadows. Although the last of a four-book series, Beebo Brinker introduces Bannon's central character, a young, handsome butch who arrives in New York scared and innocent (and wearing a dress) but soon has the femmes of Greenwich Village in the palm of her hand. Essential reading for anyone interesting in lesbian herstory; a period piece (and a welcome reprint) that has worn remarkably well.--Regina Marler
From Library Journal
Another gay novel, this is more of the pulp sort. The eponymous protagonist is sent packing from her stodgy Wisconsin home after wearing drag to the state fair. She relocates to Greenwich Village, New York's capital of the avant-garde, where she is free to pursue "love that smolders in the shadows of the twilight world." This is more kitschy now but still fun for its 1950s sensibilities. Note that this is the first of four Bannon novels being reprinted by Cleis.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
First things first, I'm still in the process of coming out...
Secondly, I have been a bookworm ever since I can remember. I grew up reading the likes of Nancy Drew and Babysitter's Club (Ann M. Martin) and daydreaming about the heroines, wishing they weren't straight.
I am so happy I found this book. I absolutely loved it. It was very descriptive, from the pizza place to her night watching the girls dance.
I could not put it down until there were no more pages left to devour.
The characters were strong & deliciously human.
I wish I knew about this series when I was a teenager; I would have gladly snuck over to whatever side of town just to get to these books, hid them underneath my mattress with my diary...
[...].
Secondly, I have been a bookworm ever since I can remember. I grew up reading the likes of Nancy Drew and Babysitter's Club (Ann M. Martin) and daydreaming about the heroines, wishing they weren't straight.
I am so happy I found this book. I absolutely loved it. It was very descriptive, from the pizza place to her night watching the girls dance.
I could not put it down until there were no more pages left to devour.
The characters were strong & deliciously human.
I wish I knew about this series when I was a teenager; I would have gladly snuck over to whatever side of town just to get to these books, hid them underneath my mattress with my diary...
[...].
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Beebo Brinker is a one of the best of the lesbian pulp fiction novels from the 1950s, and is here reprinted in all its original steamy charm and vivacious energy. Sensual, with a timeless insight into love, lust, and relationship conflicts between women, Beebo Brinker is an enduring title as erotic and compelling today as it was when its was originally published some fifty years ago.
9 of 12 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Although not a very difficult read, this book glimpses into the lives of gays and lesbians during the period before Stonewall, and the sexual revolution. I felt that it was a very interesting way to learn to about the lifestyles of gays and lesbians during that time period, and on top of that it was a great story that makes you want to read it from cover to cover.
By me
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Beebo is a little crazy, but she is also super lovable. Who wouldn't want things to work out for Beebo?
By Courtney
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
While this certainly isn't the best book I've read, it does leave you wanting to read more. I bought this because it was an assigned textbook for one of my classes, and I'm thinking about going to get my hands on the rest of the series.
Format:Paperback
Our local book group chose Beebo Brinker to read and discuss. It has been compared to watching an old black and white classic movie. Brings up similar emotions. Though times have changed, if you put youself in the era that this book was published, an appreciation will develop. There are moments of very good writing. A fun book to read.
5 of 10 people found the following review helpful
By M. Rivera
Format:Paperback
I love how some people can make their life a living hell. Beebo is that person. I only wish that there's more information on how Beebo's relationship with Paula went and gone. I read all of Ann Bannon's books and its been a great read .
6 of 12 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This was one of the 1st books I read when I came "OUT". I'm not a real reader & it held my attention as well as made me laugh out loud.
