Carol (Movie Tie-in Edition)

Patricia Highsmith

Nov 2015 · Movie Tie-in Editions Book 0 · W. W. Norton & Company

About this ebook

"A great American writer…Highsmith's writing is wicked…it puts a spell on you." —Entertainment Weekly

Now a major motion picture.

Patricia Highsmith's story of romantic obsession may be one of the most important, but still largely unrecognized, novels of the twentieth century. First published in 1952 and touted as "the novel of a love that society forbids," the book soon became a cult classic.

Based on a true story plucked from Highsmith's own life, Carol tells the riveting drama of Therese Belivet, a stage designer trapped in a department-store day job, whose routine is forever shattered by a gorgeous epiphany—the appearance of Carol Aird, a customer who comes in to buy her daughter a Christmas toy. Therese begins to gravitate toward the alluring suburban housewife, who is trapped in a marriage as stultifying as Therese's job. They fall in love and set out across the United States, ensnared by society's confines and the imminent disapproval of others, yet propelled by their infatuation. Carol is a brilliantly written story that may surprise Highsmith fans and will delight those discovering her work.

This authorized edition includes an afterword by Patricia Highsmith. Previously titled The Price of Salt.

Ratings and reviews

A desperately woven tale of passion, self understanding and maturity. My one complaint is that through all it's build up the author did not make it clear that the two lovers were indeed lovers. I wasn't looking for soft porn but it wasn't mentioned or even implied beyond subtle moments of closeness that absolutely couldn't be assumed that their passion was consumated. Beyond that...a sweet and achingly loving story.

Great novel which shows that two people of the same sex can love each other and have a wonderful life together. I did over 30 years with my soulmate and still enjoying life together.

Loved it, ended too soon!

About the author

Patricia Highsmith (1921–1995) was the author of more than twenty novels, including Strangers on a Train, The Price of Salt and The Talented Mr. Ripley, as well as numerous short stories.