If you read my reviews, you know I'm a fan of slower-paced, character-driven novels. I also enjoy historical fiction that doesn't revolve around wars. This one was slower paced (VERY slow paced). I did encounter some struggles with it.

In this debut, our main character Lois is seeking a divorce from her husband in 1951. She needs to go to a "divorce ranch" (which actually has horses!) in Reno for six weeks to get the divorce. Once at the ranch, she's rather withdrawn until fellow divorcee Greer shows up. Greer gets her out on the town and going to casinos.

Lois is enamored by Greer. So at halfway I think this novel is going to turn into a lesbian love affair. It seemed to have some erotic undertones, and I was trying to figure out Lois's character. And this was a problem with me because I didn't feel like I ever really understood Lois. I *think* Lois felt like she never had any say in her life because she went from a controlling father to a controlling husband. So Greer got her out of her shell and gave her the confidence to try things.

The novel doesn't end up explore their relationship, but it does veer directions again and becomes a heist novel of sorts. I wasn't expecting that.

I found the pace of this novel to be achingly slow. I thought that Reno in 1951 would be a great backdrop, but there was precious little about the setting other than a few outside desert scenes. The old-time casinos didn't come to life liked I had hoped they would. There are some other residents at the divorce ranch, but I didn't feel like I got to know them especially well - or even Lois for that matter. The character I felt I knew the best was Greer. Hmmm, maybe I would have liked the novel more if it were from Greer's perspective.

Thank you to NetGalley and Flatiron for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Takes place in the 1950s when women were basically the property of their husbands. You went from your childhood home to your husbands home - you did not live on your own. Lois was an only child and when her mother died, she was left with her father, who worked all the time or sat alone in his den, and the housekeeper, Ela. She was lonely. Marrying Lawrence was a way out. But the marriage was loveless and she wanted out. Spending six weeks in Reno allows you to divorce. Lois stayed at the Golden Yarrow, a famous "Divorcee ranch" There she meets and befriends other women, many with worse issues than Lois. Then Greer shows up. Lois is intrigued and makes future plans with Greer. Will it all work out or will Lois have to return to her father's house and marry again?

I had no idea that divorce ranches even existed and learning about the inner workings of these places and the women who are patrons is quite interesting. The main character, Lois, is less interesting; she is superficial and detached from the others. While this is likely truthful characterization, it also makes for a very unrelatable character. I was more interested in the other guests and the women who run the ranch.

The history of the area and the concept of the novel are appealing, but it is a very slow read.

Although I realized, divorced, a social stigma back in the day, I fail to realize existence is post to force places for women. This fictional story captured the era, emotional status, and social outcast sting of women during these trying times I loved the camaraderie, yet Varying interpersonal skills that occurred during the story of friendship and survival. It touched on the vulnerability, yet strength of women who survived that chauvinistic and stereotypical. In our culture taboo with the force captures the overarching theme, it resonated with me as I was the only student in school divorced parents in the 50s .

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. This story revolves around a “ divorce ranch” in Reno, Nevada in the 1950’s. Lois Saunders arrives there to establish a 6 week residency so she could obtain a quickie divorce, paid by her father to prevent any more embarrassment to himself and to Lois. Lois married Lawrence four years ago to get out of her father’s home, it was a quick courtship that resulted in a loveless marriage, Lois felt trapped and lonely and decided she could not stay married. Her stay at the ranch with other women, especially meeting Greer resulted in a coming of age for Lois, resulting in Lois hopefully becoming the woman she ultimately wants to be. The book I felt was rather slow moving at times and somewhat repetitive, all these women did was eat, shop, ride horses and go to the local casino at night. I did not totally dislike or like the book, I thought it was just ok, I did not feel like I got a lot of insight into the characters at all.

This was really heart warming and I loved every second of this book. I have fallen back in love with historical fiction thanks to this book

I never knew there were divorcee ranches! To hear the perspective of what getting a divorce was like in that time period is.crazy with how easy it is to get one today.
The idea of the story is great, how women adapt & survive. The story was so slow moving and I felt like it drug on. It wasn’t a 5 star for me because of this. I also didn’t think Lois was likable… she was kind of rude & cold & felt sorry for herself.

Overall, the author is a great writer, the story & characters just weren’t my favorite

The pacing here starts slow, Ms Baeird capturing descriptions of the summer of Nevada perfectly (I lived in and then outside of Las Vegas for nine years, before moving to the countryside).

The history of the Reno divorce ranch is fascinating to me,

The concept and the writing are both excellent. The tension between the women at the ranch is realistically rendered and the character development over the course of the story is enjoyable to read.

All in all, The Divorcees is a terrific debut. Recommended.



Thank you to Flatiron Books and NetGalley for the DRC!

Thanks to netgalley and publisher for the ARC!
This book was a lovely mix of mystery and literary fiction, however it is written in third person which isn’t my favorite but i still enjoyed this book. I loved the idea of a divorcee ranch mid 1900’s! Definitely tied into some historical aspects, if you enjoy strong female chacaters, a bit of mystery, and stories set in the past you’ll love this!

📚 The Divorcees
✍ Rowan Beaird
📖 Historical Fiction
⭐3/5

➡The year is 1951. Lois Saunders, a well-to-do woman from the northern suburbs of Chicago, finds herself in a loveless marriage with few options for escape. The best of these seems to be at the Golden Yarrow, the most respectable of Reno, Nevada’s famous “divorce ranches,” Lois finds herself living with half a dozen other would-be divorcees, all in Reno for the six weeks’ residency that is the state’s only divorce requirement.

There, the women indulge in catered meals, daily cocktail hour and casino outings as they await their divorce trials. Then, secretive and combative Greer Lang arrives and Lois's world is turned on its side as she begins to consider life after marriage and all that awaits once she leaves the confines of a life ruled by men. Immersive and illustrative, The Divorcees follows a group of women forging their own paths on their own terms as they write their second acts.
◾
🙏 Thank you to NetGalley, Flatiron Books and the author for an advanced copy of the Divorcees. All opinions are my own.
◾
🎯 What I loved: The concept of this book was so interesting! I was immediately intrigued by the idea of a 'divorce ranch' where women in the 1950s went and lived in small colony-ish settings in order to establish residency in another state so they could file for divorce. The main character, Lois, lived a somewhat controversial existence for a woman of her time: she wanted a divorce, wanted to live independently and wasn't interested in having children, so seeing life via her perspective was fascinating.

🙅‍♀️ What I didn't: Ultimately, this fell flat for me. Very little actually happened during the course of the book and it really dragged. While the characters were interesting, there were so many that I didn't get enough of each of their back stories and wasn't particularly invested in any of them. There was a little action about 70% into the book but it took so long to get there.
◾
Read if you love
*1950s/60s time periods
*historical fiction focused on women/women's roles
*complex female friendships
◾
See also: Lessons in Chemistry, Between Sisters, One Italian Summer

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the Kindle ARC. The Divorcees is the first novel by Rowan Beaird. Set in the 1950's The Divorcees follows women who want or need a divorce and go to "divorce ranches" in Nevada for quicky divorces. The time was very forbidding toward women as far as divorce was concerned - they were shamed and shunned for divorcing. I read some information on the divorce ranches and they really existed to hide what families perceived as the shame of having their daughters getting a divorce. Marriage meant status during that time and women weren't as independent as they are now. Lois is sent to the Golden Yarrow divorce ranch by her father, who is ashamed of her decision and makes it clear that when she returns from the 6-week stay she will have limited time in his home before she has to find her own way. Lois is shy and withdrawn until she meets Greer and eventually considers making decisions that will affect the rest of her life if she goes through with them. I very much enjoyed The Divorcees - it was unique and made the characters seem real. I look forward to more books by Rowan Beaird

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.