The Divorcee’s was such an interesting read for me; it felt one part mystery and equal parts literary fiction, yet it was historical fiction (where it rightly belongs).

There were so many poignant parts I would go back to and relish; this author has a vivid way of bringing out Lois’s voice, despite the novel being written in third-person. I only mention this, because I typically prefer first-person (it makes me feel immersed in the story and as if I can wear the character like a comfortable garment).

What I liked about the story:

- The subject itself. This was an unknown part of history to me: 1950s and the taboo of divorce towards women. I did not know these women would become social pariahs to the point of omitting divorce from their future life story out of shame, guilt, judgement, and ostracization.

- The slow unfurling of Lois’s character arc. She didn’t just magically pull a 180 and become the person she always wanted to be. In fact, she did not know if she ever could. She was lost and needed guidance and direction that no one (until she encountered Greer) could ever give her.

- I was drawn to her retrospection, continual inner dialogue (including facing hard truths about herself), her vulnerability, her way of zeroing-in on the seemingly unnoticeable things like the grit of desert sand on her tongue, the arch of Greer’s foot, the car’s leather seat warmed by the sun.

What I wasn’t crazy about:

- The pacing; at times, it felt as if it stretched on longer than the heat of a humid summer. I would often wonder why? Why is this here? Why did this need to be included?

- How all the women (especially Lois) hungered for each other’s approval (like teenagers) and severely withheld it from each other at times. How all the women (except for Rita and Bailey) worshipped Greer and clamored for her attention and approval when she was clearly a selfish/bad influence. And why? They knew nothing about her.

- I also didn't like how every male depicted in the story was more or less implied to be either a bad guy or unsavory in some way.

- *SPOILER ALERT*-

- I did not like the ending. I understand the hold and indelible mark that Greer left on everyone—Lois especially. I also understood Greer’s desire to still make plans to go to California like she and Lois planned. That she followed through with their previous plans (despite the fallout) said loads about how much she still cared about Lois. That she appeared to have kept Lois’s mother’s necklace and not pawned it, also spoke volumes. Last, that she pursued and became successful at getting on TV (even if for a commercial) proves to me she wants—hopes, even—that Lois will see her and find her. Otherwise, she would have remained hidden, as I am sure it is dangerous for her (seeing as how she had stolen from many people) who were probably still looking for her. I think Greer missed Lois and wanted to reunite with her but didn’t know how to without her getting caught. I think she got cold feet about their plans together whenever Lois backed out of the heist because she feared getting caught. Once that happened, Greer realized she was wrong about Lois and wouldn’t be able to rely or trust her if it came down to it, so she saved herself.

Overall, I like that Lois became the independent woman she wanted to be despite all the odds being against her: having no money, no husband, no friends, and no example of anyone else doing it on their own. I like how she morphed from a naïve girl into a wise woman. I also appreciated how she did not conform to society, but carved her own path that made her happy in the end.

Side note: loved the cover! It embodied the story beautifully!

I would like to thank NetGalley and Flatiron Books for allowing me to read this advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Well-written and intriguing premise.
Fabulous cover!
Did not really enjoy the writing style.
Found the characters hard to care about.

With thanks to NetGalley & Flatiron Books for this e-ARC.

4/5 stars- would recommend to the right person.

**Spoilers***
I love a lit fic, and appreciate the concept- Divorce Ranches- something I previously was naive to. Lois is trying to carve out independence from the "new house or old house" ideas.
Lois sees Greer as the mother figure approval and relationship she never had- reading to her, seeking her approval with dares, and dangerous actions
As evident in the scene from Chapter 39- Lois is having an identity crisis and keeps trying to "try on" versions of herself that will earn the approval of others.
I loved seeing the journey of Lois finally telling her father she would not be returning, and carving out a life for herself in LA. Overall, I would recommend it to my fellow lit fic fans.

Rowan Beaird’s “The Divorcees” is a captivating journey back in time to the glamour and allure of 1950s Reno. Set against the backdrop of a society where divorce was still a taboo, this novel weaves a tale of women breaking free from societal constraints and discovering the power of friendship, desire, and independence.

The story revolves around Lois Saunders, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage, who finds herself at the Golden Yarrow, one of Reno’s famous “divorce ranches.” Beaird paints a vivid picture of this era, where women seeking divorce had to endure a six-week residency requirement. The ranches offered a glimpse of freedom amidst the stifling expectations of the 1950s.

What truly sets “The Divorcees” apart is the introduction of Greer Lang, a character as beguiling as she is unconventional. Lois’s journey to self-discovery takes an exhilarating turn with Greer’s arrival. The dynamic between these two women is beautifully portrayed, showcasing the transformative power of friendship.

Beaird’s writing immerses you in this bygone era, where housewives and movie stars mingled at gin-soaked casinos, and the allure of newfound freedom hung in the air. The descriptions are rich and transportive, making you feel like you’re right there alongside Lois and Greer as they navigate the complexities of their time.

While “The Divorcees” is undeniably engrossing, it occasionally meanders in its pacing, which is why it falls just short of a full five-star rating. However, this minor flaw is easily overshadowed by the intriguing characters and the evocative setting.

In conclusion, “The Divorcees” by Rowan Beaird is a riveting page-turner that delves into a world of female empowerment, desire, and the pursuit of independence. If you’re a fan of historical fiction with strong character-driven narratives, this book is a must-read. It’s a journey through time that will leave you both entertained and thoughtful, ultimately making it a solid four-star read.

Rating: 4/5 stars

I do not think I got this book. It seemed to drag on for me. I enjoyed the look into a divorcee ranch from the 1950s but the characters didn't resonate with me. The ending was also flat, not sure if it was to leave the option for a sequel but it provided little closure

When reading this description I was so excited to read this book. I really did enjoy the relationship dynamics with the women, even though sometimes I did get just a little confused about the backstory of each. The setting of Reno and the "quickie" divorce was intriguing. What fell flat for me was the rest of the story after we find out more about Greer. It really didn't give me anything that I wanted. Plus, the very end just left me hanging. Other than that it was a well written book, I just wanted more from the end.

I devoured this book! Excellent writing; the story and character draws you in from the start and sustains the entire novel; no lags. The Divorcees follows a woman’s journey through her stay at a “divorce ranch” as she files for divorce from her husband. We learn her back story, as well as, some side stories of other women staying at the ranch. We follow a tumultuous friendship she makes while at the ranch and also see a new life she begins after she leaves again. I found this book to be more about a woman finding her true self and desires than divorce. I can’t wait to read the next novel from this new author. The Divorcees by Rowan Beaird. Thank you Flat Iron Books for the ARC. Out in March.

This book intrigued me because I felt like there was so much potential for female friendship, growth, and self exploration but unfortunately, it fell flat for me. I can appreciate that in the time period this was meant to have taken place, things were much different but the relationships between characters were a bit hard to believe at times. The storyline felt stilted as well, without much action to push it along. I will say it was a quick read; I spent the first half of the book trying to figure out where it was headed.

Thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for allowing me access to the ARC.

I had never heard of divorce ranches before reading Rowan Beaird's The Divorcees, but this first novel gives a glimpse of how women would stay for 6 weeks at one in Reno, NV to establish residency for a "quickie divorce".

It focuses on Lois, a woman who has gone from being bossed around by her father, to her husband, and now back to her father as she waits out the six weeks until her divorce can be finalized.

Lois is young and a bit lost in her emotions, feeling of oppression by the men in her life, and just life in general until a new arrival at the ranch pique's her interest. Greer is everything Lois isn't and she forms a connection with her that shows her that she can have what she has only dreamed of = the freedom to what she wants, when she wants and earn money along the way.

We seem to idolize life as tranquil in the 1950's, but this book shows that being a woman in the 1950's was anything but. I'll take my crazy life as a child born in the late 60's and the freedom and opportunities that came with that.

I'm giving this book 4.5 stars and am off to read more about divorce ranches.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC. All opinions are my own.

Divorcees is a historical fiction drama taking place in the 1950s at a divorcee ranch. I had no idea such ranches existed until I read this book, so that aspect was definitely intriguing to me. I enjoyed following Lois’ self journey, although it’s quite depressing at times. The supporting characters were interesting as well, but there were so many that at times I would get confused on the storyline/details of her fellow divorcees. Once the big twist with Greer was revealed, the story fell flat for me. The ending dragged on a little too long and sort of left us hanging. I rate this 3.5 stars.

Thank you NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This is a fascinating debut novel about a "divorce ranch" in Reno, Nevada that caters to the wealthy young women in the 1950's when they have nowhere else to go while awaiting the seemingly endless parade of paperwork. In her early 20's, Lois arrives and must stay for the requisite six weeks with four other women. Fortunately there is plenty to do there: swimming, horseback riding, walks in the desert, and of course casinos and nightlife that beckons to the newly-single. And then Greer shows up and Lois is intrigued by this glamorous beauty who woos her with promises of more wealth and freedom than she could have imagined. But we all know what seems too good to be true...sometimes isn't! And as Lois is caught in this web, she has no idea what consequences await her!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!

The Divorcees is a beautifully written exploration into what it means to have freedom, understand yourself, and a look into feminism in the 1950s. Lois finds herself in a loveless marriage and constantly feels lonely, so she sets off for Nevada whose only requirement for divorce is that she stay in the state for 6 weeks. While at the "divorcee ranch," she finds a new and unexpected friendship with Greer. I think that while Lois felt seen by Greer in a way she hadn't since her mother died, at the end of the day she was still incredibly lonely & was still trying to figure out who she is. Once she moved, I feel like we got a better understanding of Lois, even with it being in the last quarter of the book. I did find the interpersonal relationships of the women at the ranch to be fascinating, because I feel like we still see those types of cliquey women whose only desire is to fit in with the crowd today. I'd definitely recommend this as a book club read or anyone who enjoys historical fiction.

Imagine you are a young, married woman in the 1950's. Unhappily married. What are your options? You are basically considered to be the property of your husband with no acceptable opinions or rights, much as you were to your father before you married. Chattel. Meet Lois, married for four years and definitely not fitting the mold of wife nor want to become a mother.

Lois realizes that basically her entire life she has been lonely, as a child and as well as a married adult. Living in what she feels is a loveless marriage, The only way for her to have the grounds for divorce is to live in a divorce ranch in Reno, Nevada, for six weeks. Her emotionally distant father agrees to finance her stay at the most respectable divorce ranch, the Golden Yarrow.

Initially, Lois is disinterested in pretty much everything at the Golden Yarrow. When beautiful,
bruised, and bold Greer shows up Lois's life changes, Lois thinks she has found the excitement that has been missing from her life. Greer dares her to do things Lois would never do on her own and they develop a friendship Lois has never had before. While Greer gets others to open up about their lives and live daringly, she shares little about her past. Rowan Beaird weaves an engaging tale of longing, learning, friendship, and personal growth.

This book is a real mood & vibe read - I admired a lot about the writing, but it is quite melancholy. I've read a few non-fiction book about divorce ranches (both originally in South Dakota much earlier, and then in the mid-20th century in Nevada), so I was fairly familiar with the topic and that definitely amplified my enjoyment of this novel.

Lois is an interesting character - she definitely didn't have a happy marriage, but the unhappiness of her marriage is hard to pin down for Lois and for the reader. And her obsession with Greer is one that is coded queer but actually is not ... Lois is just a deeply lonely person who is desperate for connection.

If you're looking for slightly highbrow literary fiction about divorce ranches in the 50s and the women who populated them, you'll quite enjoy this one. Come for the deeply atmospheric prose, stay for the fucked up women (a fave genre of mine). 3.5 stars rounded up. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

“The Divorcees” a debut novel by Rowan Beard was a very interesting and engrossing read about the divorce ranches that existed in Nevada during the 1950s. These ranches existed to provide wealthy women quickie divorces after a 6 week residency.
The author brilliantly weaves her story about The Golden Yarrow and the women who reside there, each one with an intriguing story of her own. Everything changes when in the middle of the night a mysterious guest arrives. The story delves into the heartbreaking reality of how difficult it was to be a women in the 1950s especially for those who wanted something more for themselves than being just a wife and mother. This book is masterfully written bringing mystery, self awareness & heart into a piece of history most of us did not know.

Thank you NetGalley, Flatiron Books, and the author for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this delicious historical fiction- I had heard of divorce ranches in Reno, but I didn't really know what they were and how they worked. Personally, I always really love when books using their setting and time period to the max, which this novels absoolutely achieves. I feel like there weren't any huge surprises with this novel, and I mean that it in the highest compliment possible. My expectations and hopes were perfectly calibrated, I got what I came for here. I am also really impressed that this is a debut novel, I felt like the way this was written and Lois' POV were effortless and all the beats flowed into each other well. It's a little fun but not too unserious, a little mischievous but not too dark!

When I saw the synopsis for Rowan Beaird's debut The Divorcees, I knew I had to read it. Having no knowledge of the Reno divorce ranches of the 1950s before reading this book, I found this novel to be entirely ingenious and intriguing. In case you are like me and had no idea that divorce ranches, designed around providing guests with a quickie divorce under Reno's 6-week residency laws, existed, this book provides a fascinating glimpse into our country's colorful history.

The Golden Yarrow caters to the "fallen" women of the upper classes. The wives and daughters belonging to prominent families who just couldn't cut it in their marriages. Often their spouses were unfaithful; perhaps they longed for a child that was never provided; or maybe they just wanted out. Regardless of the reason, the Golden Yarrow takes them in for a price, providing these women with a temporary home while they wait out the residency laws of Reno, which allow them a fuss-free divorce after residing in the city for 6 weeks.

Among those currently biding their time at the Golden Yarrow is Lois Saunders, a young woman looking to escape her loveless marriage. No longer under the thumb of her husband, Lois finds that the patriarchal power over her has transferred back to her father, who makes demands about how she spends her time at the Golden Yarrow and what she does with his money. Lois longs to live freely like the other girls at the ranch but finds life on her own to be just as stifling as it was with her husband by her side.

But everything changes when a mysterious guest shows up at the Golden Yarrow in the dead of night. Greer Lang arrives with a black eye and a story that she keeps hidden from the other girls. Between taking her meals in her bedroom and not participating in the ranch activities with the other girls, Greer creates a whirlwind of excitement at the Golden Yarrow. Is she a part of the American aristocracy? Was she married to a business magnate or movie star? Just who is the enigmatic Greer Lang?

The girls will soon find out when Greer emerges from her room and turns the Golden Yarrow on its head. Greer pushes the soon-to-be divorcees to stand up for themselves and behave in ways contrary to their nature, or at least in contrast to how they've been born and bred. Lois, in particular, is taken under Greer's wing, and as she begins to determine what she wants for her life going forward, thanks to Greer's influence, she finds that her life might just be headed down a totally unexpected path.

The Divorcees is a tour-de-force debut that effectively captures the often claustrophobic aura of what it meant to be a woman in 1950s America with few choices or prospects of her own. This book was so interesting to me; not only because it explored a subject I knew nothing about, but also because it demonstrates how much the world has changed in the last 75 years. While some women coming out of marriage immediately sought another, there were others who maybe wanted something a bit different for themselves, as exemplified through Lois, a young girl yearning to break free from the societal chains bounding her in place.

While much of The Divorcees reads as a historical fiction novel, Beaird masterfully interjects an aura of mystery in her novel by way of the furtive, magnetic Greer, a bold woman standing in her own power. Beaird keeps the riddle of Greer's background alive throughout her book, not revealing all until the end when the pieces of the puzzle cleverly fall into place.

n this circa 1950 historical novel set on a Nevada horse ranch, Lois’s prominent father has paid for her stay at the exclusive and highly rated Golden Yarrow, a boardinghouse in Reno for estranged wives to live in while the required waiting period for a quickie divorce passes. Although they are supposed to prove they are residents and testify their intent to remain in Nevada, few stay once the judge makes his declaration. The Golden Yarrow Ranch is run by two women who mother and advise, and just require a daily check in so their guests can meet the residency requirement. Lois, desiring to remain childless and escape a loveless marriage, is perpetually awkward and feels she has never really fit in anywhere. She at first behaves as she believes her father would want: staying in, being very careful with her money, keeping to herself. When mysterious, glamorous Greer arrives with a bruise blooming on her cheek and gets her meals served on trays, information becomes currency to the girls who wonder if an Astor or movie star is in their midst, and curious Lois wants to be the first to know.

Greer eventually appears, and becomes a mean girl ring leader of sorts, determining with a detached coolness who’s in and who’s out, setting little tasks of petty thievery and vandalism for the house’s girls while out and about on the town in bars and casinos. Lois is eager to please and gain Greer’s approval, and counts herself lucky that Greer wants to spend time with her in between hikes, swimming, riding, and visits to lawyers.

This is a deliciously atmospheric book, meticulously researched, well-written, and perfectly paced–the narrative deliberately proceeds as sluggishly as a six-week wait in the desert, sans air-conditioning, to get divorced to a man you know longer wish to be married to. The respite the pool provides, the flashbacks to drowning, the metaphor of being desperate for the relief of water that is also dangerous and unpredictable, is so beautifully, subtly, and masterfully done. The casinos and bars where misbehavior takes place are literally and figuratively dark, smoky, seedy foils for the sunny desert. The characterizations are strong and memorable, and the period details from fashion and manners to cultural allusions and expressions set the story firmly in place and time, on the cusp of the women’s liberation movement. As in Lessons In Chemistry, the patriarchal overtones and occasional violence will make modern readers cringe, and it’s a great read-a-like for fans of Bonnie Garmus.

I received a free, advance reader’s edition of #TheDivorcees from #NetGalley.

The book is written in third-person present tense POV. The tense itself doesn't work for me. I cannot get over this random stalker narrating every event as it happens. This is a me thing. It seems like it's becoming a trend, so maybe I will become desensitized to it. I stopped reading after the prologue and the first few pages of chapter 1.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for the ARC.

When I saw the synopsis for Rowan Beaird's debut The Divorcees, I knew I had to read it. Having no knowledge of the Reno divorce ranches of the 1950s before reading this book, I found this novel to be entirely ingenious and intriguing. In case you are like me and had no idea that divorce ranches, designed around providing guests with a quickie divorce under Reno's 6 week residency laws, existed, this book provides a fascinating glimpse into our country's colorful history.

The Golden Yarrow caters to the "fallen" women of the upper classes. The wives and daughters belonging to prominent families who just couldn't cut it in their marriages. Often their spouses were unfaithful; perhaps they longed for a child that was never provided; or maybe they just wanted out. Regardless of the reason, the Golden Yarrow takes them in for a price, providing these women with a temporary home while they wait out the residency laws of Reno, which allow them a fuss-free divorce after residing in the city for 6 weeks.

Among those currently biding their time at the Golden Yarrow is Lois Saunders, a young woman looking to escape her loveless marriage. No longer under the thumb of her husband, Lois finds that the patriarchal power over her has transferred back to her father, who makes demands about how she spends her time at the Golden Yarrow and what she does with his money. Lois longs to live freely like the other girls at the ranch, but finds life on her own to be just as stifling as it was with her husband by her side.

But everything changes when a mysterious guest shows up at the Golden Yarrow in the dead of night. Greer Lang arrives with a black eye and a story that she keeps hidden from the other girls. Between taking her meals in her bedroom and not participating in the ranch activities with the other girls, Greer creates a whirlwind of excitement at the Golden Yarrow. Is she a part of the American aristocracy? Was she married to a business magnate or movie star? Just who is the enigmatic Greer Lang?

The girls will soon find out when Greer emerges from her room and turns the Golden Yarrow on its head. Greer pushes the soon-to-be divorcees to stand up for themselves and behave in ways contrary to their nature, or at least in contrast to how they've been born and bred. Lois, in particular, is taken under Greer's wing, and as she begins to determine what she wants for her life going forward, thanks to Greer's influence, she finds that her life might just be headed down a totally unexpected path.

The Divorcees is tour-de-force debut that effectively captures the often claustrophobic aura of what it meant to be a woman in 1950s America with few choices or prospects of her own. This book was so interesting to me; not only because it explored a subject I knew nothing about, but also because it demonstrates how much the world has changed in the last 75 years. While some women coming out of a marriage immediately sought another, there were others who maybe wanted something a bit different for themselves, as exemplified through Lois, a young girl yearning to break free from the societal chains bounding her in place.

While much of The Divorcees reads as a historical fiction novel, Beaird masterfully interjects an aura of mystery in her novel by way of the furtive, magnetic Greer, a bold woman standing in her own power. Beaird keeps the riddle of Greer's background alive throughout her book, not revealing all until the end when the pieces of the puzzle cleverly fall into place.

A commanding debut by an up-and-coming author, The Divorcees comes highly recommended for fans of the genre.