Bellerose, Sally. The Girls Club. Bywater Books, 2011. Paperback. 287p. $14.95. 978-1-932859-78-2.

Family is the focus of this unique coming-out story, which covers a decade in the lives of three sisters of Catholic, working-class parents. In 1970, 14-year-old Cora Rose suffers from “the dreaded bowel disease,” as well as sexual identity confusion and conflicts with her older sisters Renee and Marie.

After being caught in an embrace with her best friend Stella, Cora Rose resorts to having sex with a boy and gets pregnant the very first time. Humor and vulnerability play equal parts in the sassy protagonist’s life as she marries, gets an ostomy after surgery for her ulcerative colitis, and then separates from her husband following her involvement with a woman at The Girls Club, a lesbian bar.

In her debut novel, Bellerose skillfully weaves together themes of sisterhood, religion, parenting, marriage, and sexuality as Cora Rose faces the prejudices forced upon her by her culture. The fast-paced narrative follows flawed, realistic and brave characters with a magical blend of bittersweet events and frail hope. This story epitomizes the 1970s, a time of growing awareness about human sexuality, by honestly depicting the struggles and losses of a messy life as Cora Rose gropes her way to finding independence, satisfaction, and joy. More than a girl-meets-girl tale, this novel is a girl-meets-herself saga.

With its fine writing and insights into the lesbian coming-out process, this book is recommended for all libraries as well as for people who like a “different type of coming-out story.”

Reviewed by Nel Ward

Retired Librarian (Newport, OR)