From Wedded Wife to Lesbian Life: Stories of Transformation [Paperback]

Deborah Abbott (Author, Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1995

FROM WEDDED WIFE TO LESBIAN LIFE presents personal stories of discovery and change by women who got married, defied tradition, and came out as lesbians. Drawing from a broad range of cultures and classes, this revealing collection of first-person essays, interviews, and poems offers a glimpse into the lives of such well-known lesbian authors as JoAnn Loulan, Margaret Randall, Margarethe Cammermeyer, Joanna Kadi, Ellen Bass, Joan Larkin, and Minnie Bruce Pratt, as well as emerging writers.

Product Details

• Paperback: 290 pages
• Publisher: Crossing Press (September 1, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0895947668
• ISBN-13: 978-0895947666
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #262,276 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #37 in Books > Gay & Lesbian > Literature & Fiction > Literary Criticism

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

62 of 64 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Helpful for married lesbians in transition, October 5, 1999

By 

A. North "Alix North" (Northern California) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: From Wedded Wife to Lesbian Life: Stories of Transformation (Paperback)

I read this book just when I was leaving my marriage. I expected to find a collection of stories by women who (unlike me) discovered their orientation later in life. I was delighted to find that the collection was much more diverse. Women of all ages are represented in this collection, and some, like me, knew they were lesbian before they married. Reading their stories was comforting during a time a great turmoil.

I later had the privilege of attending a support group led by one of the authors (Deborah Abbott), and this further enriched the experience. It reminded me, though, of how few resources are available for women making this transition. I hope women who don't have such groups available can find some support in this gem of a book.

28 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Great Resource Full of Heartfelt Stories, April 12, 2002

By 

Lori L. Lake "Author of Like Lovers Do, Buyer... (Portland, Oregon, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Wedded Wife to Lesbian Life: Stories of Transformation (Paperback)

This is a book I have been telling people about for the last couple months. As a writer of lesbian novels myself, I have been constantly surprised to discover how many women seem to be living double lives: wife and mother by day--secret, internet-accessing, coming-out lesbian by night. When women email me to confide and ask advice (which I feel inadequate at giving!), I refer them to this book knowing that the stories of the women in FROM WEDDED WIFE TO LESBIAN LIFE will give them hope and ideas.

Great editing work by Deb Abbott and Ellen Farmer, and kudos to Crossing Press for publishing this fine book.

In addition to this book, I would also recommend: LESBIAN EPIPHANIES: WOMEN COMING OUT IN LATER LIFE by Karol Jensen. For other more general true-life stories of women coming out, read anything edited by the wonderfully talented Lindsey Elder.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great help...., March 27, 2002

By 

Tami (Kansas City) - See all my reviews

This review is from: From Wedded Wife to Lesbian Life: Stories of Transformation (Paperback)

I was leaving my husband and starting a relationship with a woman when I met Deb Abbott online about 5 years ago. She told me about her book and I ran out to buy it. I saw myself in so many of the stories, and found that I wasn't the only one going through my situation. That relationship ended badly after 4 years, and I am now with a woman that is in the same position I was. I am re-reading Deb's book, and my girlfriend is also reading it. It is a bible to us. I can't thank Deb enough for writing this amazing book.