(12/4/2023)
I enjoyed The Divorcees for a few reasons. First, I had no idea that women in the US at one point in time, (not that long ago), had to establish "residency" in Reno, NV to be granted a divorce. Second, that special ranches existed to house the women while they waited their six weeks residency for their divorce to be final. Lastly, the book made me happy how far women have come in managing and controlling their lives.
I enjoyed the friendships between the women, despite their varying backgrounds. In numbers, they gained insight into what future single life may look like or to some, what a new marriage may show. At times, the women were lost and whiled away their nights in casinos gambling and drinking. But they did gain support from the other divorcees and the Golden Yarrow matriarch.
The main character, Lois is taken in by the wildness of the ranch and the new mysterious divorcee Greer Lang. Lois starts to trust Greer, but not sure if she should, but can't stop herself. Greer leads Lois on an escapade one night at the casino and Lois starts to have some shocking new thoughts about Greer. I liked how the author layers the plot of the story with very vivid characters. Fans of Strangers on the Train by Patricia Highsmith will enjoy The Divorcees.