What do you think?
Rate this book
The Divorcées: A Novel
Lois Saunders thought that marrying the right man would finally cure her loneliness. But as picture-perfect as her husband is, she is suffocating in their loveless marriage. In 1951, though, unhappiness is hardly grounds for divorce - except in Reno, Nevada.
At the Golden Yarrow, the most respectable of Reno's '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. They spend their days riding horses and their nights flirting with cowboys, and it's as wild and fun as Lake Forest, Illinois, was prim and stifling. But it isn't until Greer Lange arrives that Lois's world truly cracks open . . .
Gorgeous, beguiling, and completely indifferent to societal convention, Greer is unlike anyone Lois has ever met - and she sees something in Lois that no one else ever has. Under her influence, Lois begins to push against the limits that have always restrained her. But how much can she really trust her mysterious new friend? And how far will she go to forge her independence, on her own terms?
Set in the glamourous, dizzying world of 1950s Reno, THE DIVORCEES is a riveting page-turner and a dazzling exploration of female friendship, desire, and freedom.
At the Golden Yarrow, the most respectable of Reno's '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. They spend their days riding horses and their nights flirting with cowboys, and it's as wild and fun as Lake Forest, Illinois, was prim and stifling. But it isn't until Greer Lange arrives that Lois's world truly cracks open . . .
Gorgeous, beguiling, and completely indifferent to societal convention, Greer is unlike anyone Lois has ever met - and she sees something in Lois that no one else ever has. Under her influence, Lois begins to push against the limits that have always restrained her. But how much can she really trust her mysterious new friend? And how far will she go to forge her independence, on her own terms?
Set in the glamourous, dizzying world of 1950s Reno, THE DIVORCEES is a riveting page-turner and a dazzling exploration of female friendship, desire, and freedom.
259 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 19, 2024
714 people are currently reading
23609 people want to read
About the author
Rowan Beaird
4 books161 followersRowan Beaird's first novel, The Divorcées, was named a best book by Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, People, The Independent, and the Chicago Review of Books. Her second novel, Tenderness, will be published in July 2026. She is the recipient of the Ploughshares Emerging Writer Award, and her short fiction has been nominated for a Pushcart.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,291 reviews
April 6, 2024
3.5 stars:
I was unaware of the divorce -ranch phenomenon in the midcentury USA. I had always heard of people going to Nevada to get a quick divorces, but I was young, not curious/interested about divorce machinations. In “The Divorcees”, author Rowan Beaird informs the reader, early on, that Nevada passed a law to allow divorces, with the stipulation that you become a Nevada citizen. For the divorce to occur, one member must reside in Nevada for six weeks; one must provide proof that they were there for the entire six weeks. It was explained that, after the Depression, it was gambling and divorces that brought financial health back to Nevada. Thus, divorce “ranches” were created by industrious citizens, whereby a person can stay at said estate for the 6 weeks required for residency and divorce. It was women who went to these ranches, generally paid for by their parents or family money.
Enter naïve Lois Gorski Saunders, from Lake Forest IL. Lois is an awkward woman, not comfortable in her own skin. Her mother told her the only way to freedom for a woman was to marry. The 1950’s weren’t necessarily a kind time for women. Lois’s mother died when she was young, and her mother was not a happily married wife. Both mother and daughter are written as “different”. Neither mother nor daughter understood nor tolerated the social conventions expected of women. So, Lois marries the first man who asks because she thought that was what she was to do. Obviously, we know that she decided to divorce her husband, as the book opens with Lois at the ranch.
Through backstories, we learn of Lois’s marriage and her life prior to being married. The reader aches for Lois. Once she’s at the ranch, which was funded and chosen by her father, she feels like she’s back in “mean girl” territory. Her father chose a ranch for “respectable” women. It’s like her married life all over again: women judging her based on her clothing, where she went to school, who her people are. Lois does not feel comfortable. And then a new, unexpected, resident, Greer Lang joins the group. Greer is mysterious; she’s confident. Plus, Greer is sporting a bruise on her face which leads the other ranch ladies to make assumptions that her man did this to her.
This is a true period piece. There is abundant smoking, drinking (an amazing amount of drinking), and of course, gambling. Author Rowan Beaird writes of the time when women had little or no agency over their lives. Greer seems to rise above it all, not caring about social conventions, which Lois has always wanted to have the deportment to do. Greer wears men’s trousers, ala Katherine Hepburn. She has moxie and chutzpa which Lois finds attractive. These are traits that Lois wants.
The reader understands where this is leading. We await Lois to catch-up. I was spellbound by Beaird’s narrative. She captured the period well. This is a slow burn drama that left this reader sad.
I was unaware of the divorce -ranch phenomenon in the midcentury USA. I had always heard of people going to Nevada to get a quick divorces, but I was young, not curious/interested about divorce machinations. In “The Divorcees”, author Rowan Beaird informs the reader, early on, that Nevada passed a law to allow divorces, with the stipulation that you become a Nevada citizen. For the divorce to occur, one member must reside in Nevada for six weeks; one must provide proof that they were there for the entire six weeks. It was explained that, after the Depression, it was gambling and divorces that brought financial health back to Nevada. Thus, divorce “ranches” were created by industrious citizens, whereby a person can stay at said estate for the 6 weeks required for residency and divorce. It was women who went to these ranches, generally paid for by their parents or family money.
Enter naïve Lois Gorski Saunders, from Lake Forest IL. Lois is an awkward woman, not comfortable in her own skin. Her mother told her the only way to freedom for a woman was to marry. The 1950’s weren’t necessarily a kind time for women. Lois’s mother died when she was young, and her mother was not a happily married wife. Both mother and daughter are written as “different”. Neither mother nor daughter understood nor tolerated the social conventions expected of women. So, Lois marries the first man who asks because she thought that was what she was to do. Obviously, we know that she decided to divorce her husband, as the book opens with Lois at the ranch.
Through backstories, we learn of Lois’s marriage and her life prior to being married. The reader aches for Lois. Once she’s at the ranch, which was funded and chosen by her father, she feels like she’s back in “mean girl” territory. Her father chose a ranch for “respectable” women. It’s like her married life all over again: women judging her based on her clothing, where she went to school, who her people are. Lois does not feel comfortable. And then a new, unexpected, resident, Greer Lang joins the group. Greer is mysterious; she’s confident. Plus, Greer is sporting a bruise on her face which leads the other ranch ladies to make assumptions that her man did this to her.
This is a true period piece. There is abundant smoking, drinking (an amazing amount of drinking), and of course, gambling. Author Rowan Beaird writes of the time when women had little or no agency over their lives. Greer seems to rise above it all, not caring about social conventions, which Lois has always wanted to have the deportment to do. Greer wears men’s trousers, ala Katherine Hepburn. She has moxie and chutzpa which Lois finds attractive. These are traits that Lois wants.
The reader understands where this is leading. We await Lois to catch-up. I was spellbound by Beaird’s narrative. She captured the period well. This is a slow burn drama that left this reader sad.
January 17, 2024
Thank you NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
The publisher’s blurb of The Divorceés sounded exciting and intriguing. It was giving me The Women vibes and I was here for it!
This novel is, in one word, boring. Lois is boring and she is the cardboard cutout for a one dimensional character. The main character displays either ennui or melancholy over her mother’s death. (By the way, the word “mother” is used 173 times in a 272 page book.)
There were a lot of characters without distinction. The standouts were the ranch owner and Greer. This is where the book gives off strong vibes of The Price of Salt (Carol) by Patricia Highsmith. The author seems to mesh this with Thelma & Louise as well.
The writing was mediocre. Using introductory sentences for every single line of a paragraph made felt as if they were to reach a word count instead of advancing the storyline.
If I didn’t have an ARC I would have DNF’d this book at the mention of radiation used as a cancer treatment at the “gasp end” of the war (WWII, mind you). When I read historical fiction I don’t expect to encounter anachronisms that are easily researched in the very beginning of the novel. Radiation therapy wasn’t used on malignant tumors until the 50’s.
The actual sentence had no bearing on the story. Yes it described the end of her mother’s life but it didn’t actually provide us with any depth or understanding of how Lois felt. Her character development was nil at best.
There were no friendships. Just cattiness. The crimes involved were not compelling and their result predictable.
This story has potential. It would be much more fun to see Lois break out from her shell and overcome her sadness and ennui. I felt nothing and I’m so happy it’s over.
The publisher’s blurb of The Divorceés sounded exciting and intriguing. It was giving me The Women vibes and I was here for it!
This novel is, in one word, boring. Lois is boring and she is the cardboard cutout for a one dimensional character. The main character displays either ennui or melancholy over her mother’s death. (By the way, the word “mother” is used 173 times in a 272 page book.)
There were a lot of characters without distinction. The standouts were the ranch owner and Greer. This is where the book gives off strong vibes of The Price of Salt (Carol) by Patricia Highsmith. The author seems to mesh this with Thelma & Louise as well.
The writing was mediocre. Using introductory sentences for every single line of a paragraph made felt as if they were to reach a word count instead of advancing the storyline.
If I didn’t have an ARC I would have DNF’d this book at the mention of radiation used as a cancer treatment at the “gasp end” of the war (WWII, mind you). When I read historical fiction I don’t expect to encounter anachronisms that are easily researched in the very beginning of the novel. Radiation therapy wasn’t used on malignant tumors until the 50’s.
The actual sentence had no bearing on the story. Yes it described the end of her mother’s life but it didn’t actually provide us with any depth or understanding of how Lois felt. Her character development was nil at best.
There were no friendships. Just cattiness. The crimes involved were not compelling and their result predictable.
This story has potential. It would be much more fun to see Lois break out from her shell and overcome her sadness and ennui. I felt nothing and I’m so happy it’s over.
May 12, 2024
The Divorcées by Rowan Baird. Not sure what this book was about, except divorced women before divorce was common. No action. Weak plot. Weak characters. Slow moving. No connection.
September 25, 2023
“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.
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.
April 3, 2024
So much potential and yet I have no idea what I just read.
June 2, 2024
It’s 1951 and Lois heads to the the Golden Yarrow, a divorce ranch in Reno, Nevada, where she must spend 6 weeks before her request for a divorce can be granted. The women there are all in the same boat, though Lois feels like an outsider among them. Then Greer shows up and she’s different, captivating. All of the women feel drawn to her. Lois and Greer spend much of their days lounging by the pool and most of the women head to a local bar or a casino each night.
As their days at the ranch wind down, Lois is drawn to possibilities about her future, many ideas initiated by Greer. Lois feels motivated to push beyond the societal and family restraints she’s grown accustomed to, but will this come at a cost?
The Divorcees is a story about female friendship and independence. I appreciate not living in such a restrictive society though, sadly, we’re regressing instead of progressing today, too. Overall, I enjoyed this book however, the pace is slow and I found the ending somewhat anticlimactic. The setting (predominately the ranch and casino) was well-done — 3.5 stars
As their days at the ranch wind down, Lois is drawn to possibilities about her future, many ideas initiated by Greer. Lois feels motivated to push beyond the societal and family restraints she’s grown accustomed to, but will this come at a cost?
The Divorcees is a story about female friendship and independence. I appreciate not living in such a restrictive society though, sadly, we’re regressing instead of progressing today, too. Overall, I enjoyed this book however, the pace is slow and I found the ending somewhat anticlimactic. The setting (predominately the ranch and casino) was well-done — 3.5 stars
February 5, 2024
Hopefully, if you read this novel, you will like it much more than I did. After all, so many reviewers gave it very high marks. I seem to be in the minority. Maybe I missed something that everyone else understood?
I rarely do not finish an ARC. After all, the author and publisher are relying on me to give an honest opinion. Most people feel that they can't give a review unless they've read the whole thing. Also, once I start a book, I don't put it down to read something else. I did with this novel. I made it to 50%, and that was enough to tell me that I couldn't do it. I could not finish it; it made me too depressed to keep reading.
Do you really need to drink the whole gallon of milk to tell that it is spoiled? I think not!
I have never read a book in which the characters are just boring, tedious - to each other, and just plain blah, especially for the reader. The best I can say is that this book was filled with interesting information about divorce ranches and that I doubt that any of them were really run this way. But what do I really know? This book was set in the '50s, as the blurb explains. The blurb was the most interesting part of this novel.
I thought we would pick up a little when Greer made her debut at the ranch, and we learned more about her, but no matter how much I read, I learned nothing new except that I doubt if she could be trusted. Perhaps later in the book, we actually learn about Greer and her divorce, or if that was even why she was there!
The main character, Lois, seems to have a girl crush on Greer, and I thought that would be explored- maybe it was at the end of the book, but I didn't stick around to find out.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Flatiron Books/Macmillan Publishers, the author, and NetGalley.
I rarely do not finish an ARC. After all, the author and publisher are relying on me to give an honest opinion. Most people feel that they can't give a review unless they've read the whole thing. Also, once I start a book, I don't put it down to read something else. I did with this novel. I made it to 50%, and that was enough to tell me that I couldn't do it. I could not finish it; it made me too depressed to keep reading.
Do you really need to drink the whole gallon of milk to tell that it is spoiled? I think not!
I have never read a book in which the characters are just boring, tedious - to each other, and just plain blah, especially for the reader. The best I can say is that this book was filled with interesting information about divorce ranches and that I doubt that any of them were really run this way. But what do I really know? This book was set in the '50s, as the blurb explains. The blurb was the most interesting part of this novel.
I thought we would pick up a little when Greer made her debut at the ranch, and we learned more about her, but no matter how much I read, I learned nothing new except that I doubt if she could be trusted. Perhaps later in the book, we actually learn about Greer and her divorce, or if that was even why she was there!
The main character, Lois, seems to have a girl crush on Greer, and I thought that would be explored- maybe it was at the end of the book, but I didn't stick around to find out.
*ARC supplied by the publisher Flatiron Books/Macmillan Publishers, the author, and NetGalley.
November 19, 2023
What a fun story!
Years ago, in the 1950's, women of.a certain means were afforded divorces when they spent time in Nevada. The Divorcées details a in depth story of Lois's 6 week adventure a the Golden Yarrow Ranch as she awaits her full 6 weeks of residency to meet the requirement for divorce. Lois has trouble fitting in and isn't quite sure of what to make of the other girls.
When Greer Lang arrives, everything that Lois believes is put into question. Greer pushes boundaries, and chooses Lois to be her friend. What happens next is surprising and compelling. A true adventure novel for anyone stuck in a rut. #flatiron #TheDivorcées #rowanBeaird
Years ago, in the 1950's, women of.a certain means were afforded divorces when they spent time in Nevada. The Divorcées details a in depth story of Lois's 6 week adventure a the Golden Yarrow Ranch as she awaits her full 6 weeks of residency to meet the requirement for divorce. Lois has trouble fitting in and isn't quite sure of what to make of the other girls.
When Greer Lang arrives, everything that Lois believes is put into question. Greer pushes boundaries, and chooses Lois to be her friend. What happens next is surprising and compelling. A true adventure novel for anyone stuck in a rut. #flatiron #TheDivorcées #rowanBeaird
April 1, 2024
I listened to an audio ARC which was beautifully read by Bailey Carr. In fact the narration was probably the best bit.
The book itself felt like a bit of a letdown. I've been a huge fan of The Women (original film) (despite the rather saccharine ending for Mary Haines) so when I started The Divorcees I was delighted that it was so similar. Set at a ranch Reno where women waiting for divorces would go because otherwise it would be a long haul to get rid of the unsuitable men in their lives.
Our protagonist, Lois, has found that marriage was simply ownership by a different man other than her strict father. Realising that marriage is not for her she heads to Reno to get a quicky divorce but at the Golden Yarrow Ranch she realises that all her insecurities have come with her and her propensity for lying is soon discovered, turning the other women against her. The only one who is still her friend is the enigmatic Greer, who forces Lois into increasingly dangerous dares that Lois does to impress the mysterious woman.
It's a good premise but the outcome is disappointing. I thought, for a woman who spent her life at the movies that she'd cotton on to other people's motives a lot quicker. However the character of Lois just ended up making me feel quite irritated - especially at the end.
All in all, a good start but the ending did not live up to early promise. An okay book which was extremely well narrated. It would make a good holiday read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier UK Audio for the advance review copy.
The book itself felt like a bit of a letdown. I've been a huge fan of The Women (original film) (despite the rather saccharine ending for Mary Haines) so when I started The Divorcees I was delighted that it was so similar. Set at a ranch Reno where women waiting for divorces would go because otherwise it would be a long haul to get rid of the unsuitable men in their lives.
Our protagonist, Lois, has found that marriage was simply ownership by a different man other than her strict father. Realising that marriage is not for her she heads to Reno to get a quicky divorce but at the Golden Yarrow Ranch she realises that all her insecurities have come with her and her propensity for lying is soon discovered, turning the other women against her. The only one who is still her friend is the enigmatic Greer, who forces Lois into increasingly dangerous dares that Lois does to impress the mysterious woman.
It's a good premise but the outcome is disappointing. I thought, for a woman who spent her life at the movies that she'd cotton on to other people's motives a lot quicker. However the character of Lois just ended up making me feel quite irritated - especially at the end.
All in all, a good start but the ending did not live up to early promise. An okay book which was extremely well narrated. It would make a good holiday read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Bonnier UK Audio for the advance review copy.
August 31, 2024
Reading this book was a waste of my time. It took me a full two and a half months to slog through this tedious chore of a read. I’m irritated thinking about all the wonderful novels I could have read this summer if I weren’t so determined to not give up on The Divorcées. Somehow I remained open that the story was just a slow burn. The author dropped many hints that our innocent and naïve MC, Lois, would find her fire inside and transform into someone else entirely. Her relationship with Greer was loaded with supressed desire and I was expecting a climax.
What we readers get is a whole lot of build up leading to absolutely nothing. Reminds me of a long fuse that burns and burns, and then it��s damp at the end, and just fizzles out, leaving me let down and annoyed.
Thank you Netgalley for the free advanced audio download of this book for review consideration. The narrator does a very good job infusing emotion into this bland narrative. Good effort on her part.
What we readers get is a whole lot of build up leading to absolutely nothing. Reminds me of a long fuse that burns and burns, and then it��s damp at the end, and just fizzles out, leaving me let down and annoyed.
Thank you Netgalley for the free advanced audio download of this book for review consideration. The narrator does a very good job infusing emotion into this bland narrative. Good effort on her part.
February 1, 2024
Warning....this book is slooowwww paced and nothing really even happens until like 80% or more. So if you don't mind reading a book where almost nothing happens, then I guess you might like this one but I found myself skimming/skipping parts. I did end up liking the ending/reveal but it didn't make up for the lack of nothingness that happened between the prologue and the end.
I think Greer's character was the most interesting part of the book and I wish it was told from her POV as I think it would have been more engaging.
I will say that I had never heard of divorce ranches before and having a book about this subject was really intriguing but for me the story didn't really deliver. 2.5 stars for me but I will round up to 3
Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Rowan Beaird for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
I think Greer's character was the most interesting part of the book and I wish it was told from her POV as I think it would have been more engaging.
I will say that I had never heard of divorce ranches before and having a book about this subject was really intriguing but for me the story didn't really deliver. 2.5 stars for me but I will round up to 3
Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Rowan Beaird for the ALC in exchange for an honest review.
June 1, 2024
For a book that is so incredibly lesbian-coded, The Divorcees was a letdown. From the outset, it had a "A League of their Own" vibe, so much so that I expected there to be a reveal at some point that the two women who ran the divorce ranch together were a couple.
And then there's Lois. Lois has no other reason that she wants to divorce her husband other than she just doesn't want to be married to him anymore. She grew up feeling "different". She told her dying mother she didn't think she'd ever get married. If this weren't enough, Lois is enraptured with Greer, purposely seeking her out, obsessing over her body, and chasing her approval and love throughout the entire novel. Greer even convinces Lois to move to San Francisco with her after their six weeks at the ranch are up. SAN FRANCISCO. Even in the 1950s, it was a haven for LGBT people!
ALL of this pointed toward (or so I thought) Lois realizing her attraction to women and pursuing a relationship with Greer. At the hands of a more skilled author (or at least one who acknowledges the existence of lesbians!), this book could have been a triumph, a peek into the lives of queer midcentury women gaining freedom where they could.
One positive about this book is that I learned a lot about the history of 1950s Nevada. I've never heard of 'divorce ranches' before and found that aspect of the book fascinating. An interesting bit of postwar feminism, courtesy of the great state of Nevada.
But overall, terrible. A complete waste of time.
And then there's Lois. Lois has no other reason that she wants to divorce her husband other than she just doesn't want to be married to him anymore. She grew up feeling "different". She told her dying mother she didn't think she'd ever get married. If this weren't enough, Lois is enraptured with Greer, purposely seeking her out, obsessing over her body, and chasing her approval and love throughout the entire novel. Greer even convinces Lois to move to San Francisco with her after their six weeks at the ranch are up. SAN FRANCISCO. Even in the 1950s, it was a haven for LGBT people!
ALL of this pointed toward (or so I thought) Lois realizing her attraction to women and pursuing a relationship with Greer. At the hands of a more skilled author (or at least one who acknowledges the existence of lesbians!), this book could have been a triumph, a peek into the lives of queer midcentury women gaining freedom where they could.
One positive about this book is that I learned a lot about the history of 1950s Nevada. I've never heard of 'divorce ranches' before and found that aspect of the book fascinating. An interesting bit of postwar feminism, courtesy of the great state of Nevada.
But overall, terrible. A complete waste of time.
September 25, 2025
Such a beautifully written novel about women in an era where divorce was not only difficult to come by for women, but also as shameful as Hester Prynne’s scarlet letter.
I fell hard for Lois, the main character who found herself not wanting the conventional life she was supposed to want as a woman in the late 1940s. Her desire to divorce her husband leads her to a divorcee ranch in Reno where she will spend six weeks waiting to be granted a divorce. The bonds that ebb and flow between the other women at the ranch and the stories of Lois’ life there are rich and powerful.
I found myself cheering for her and wishing she would make better choices. As a woman on her own having been controlled by men and society’s rules she struggles to find her way and risks everything to carve out the life she wants.
Such an incredible debut novel by Rowan Beaird. I look forward to reading more!
Many thanks to Netgally and Flatiron Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I fell hard for Lois, the main character who found herself not wanting the conventional life she was supposed to want as a woman in the late 1940s. Her desire to divorce her husband leads her to a divorcee ranch in Reno where she will spend six weeks waiting to be granted a divorce. The bonds that ebb and flow between the other women at the ranch and the stories of Lois’ life there are rich and powerful.
I found myself cheering for her and wishing she would make better choices. As a woman on her own having been controlled by men and society’s rules she struggles to find her way and risks everything to carve out the life she wants.
Such an incredible debut novel by Rowan Beaird. I look forward to reading more!
Many thanks to Netgally and Flatiron Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
March 15, 2024
Oh to live vicariously through the lives of affluent white women completing their mandatory 6-week reprieve on a lux ranch before being allowed to divorce their shitty husbands. All set in a very 1950s “if Palo Alto was southern vibe”, these ladies are truly just concerned about the trials and tribulations they face within their wealth bubble.
Played at 1.5x the pace was fast enough to keep me relatively intrigued throughout. For me, the plot eluded to mystery/thriller at some points and those parts were interesting, keeping me guessing as to what the twist could be. In reality, the climax was quite anticlimactic and the lead-up a bit repetitive when taking the rest of the book into context. As a debut novel, this is still a very good first effort by the author.
Thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, Rowan Beaird, and Bailey Carr for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Played at 1.5x the pace was fast enough to keep me relatively intrigued throughout. For me, the plot eluded to mystery/thriller at some points and those parts were interesting, keeping me guessing as to what the twist could be. In reality, the climax was quite anticlimactic and the lead-up a bit repetitive when taking the rest of the book into context. As a debut novel, this is still a very good first effort by the author.
Thanks to Netgalley, Macmillan Audio, Rowan Beaird, and Bailey Carr for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 16, 2024
A slow burner about a historical situation regarding divorce in the 1940s. Lois, the main character, wants to remain childless and leave her husband. Divorce is difficult, but she goes to a ranch in Texas as it is easier to divorce there, but she must prove residency and remain at the ranch, Yellow Yarrow, for 6 weeks and be seen everyday. She meets other women in similar positions, all wanting to divorce for differing reasons. At times, the story drags, but this is to emphasise the slow passing of time whilst they wait. Their relationships at times awkward for Lois as she doesn't really fit in with the other women. Aa thus changes with the mysterious arrival of Greer. The characters need more development, and although well written, the story didn't engage me as much as it could have done.
September 27, 2023
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!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC!
September 11, 2023
Touching, thought-provoking, and interesting until the final page. A deep look into female friendships and what it was like to get out of a marriage for women in the past. Well done!
April 23, 2024
Mid-century Nevada divorce ranches were apparently all the rage for wealthy socialites seeking a quickie end to their marriage, and it's a fun backdrop for this historical/literary fiction novel by Rowan Beaird. And while this is a quirky period in American history, the book fell short on keeping it interesting.
Lois Saunders isn't abused. She isn't stuck with a philandering or impotent husband. She's just...well,
BORED, lonely and *not feeling it* so she wants out of her marriage. While she wouldn't have grounds for divorce in most states, there is an exception found in Reno, Nevada.
There, Lois finds herself with several other soon-to-be divorcees at the Golden Yarrow ranch, where she must remain for six weeks as part of the divorce process. Lois doesn't connect with the other women and is simply biding her time, that is, until Greer Lang arrives.
Greer is pretty, aloof, seemingly unbound by social norms, and takes to Lois right away. much to Lois' delight. So when Greer begins to dare Lois to push the boundaries of her own life, Lois is all too eager to please. But how far is Lois willing to go to please her friend and find the solitary life she desires?
I wanted to like this book, y'all. The premise is fun and intriguing. But the storyline itself lacks excitement, and even as the plot thickens, it's fairly predictable. I'm glad I finished it, but would I recommend it? Not really.
Lois Saunders isn't abused. She isn't stuck with a philandering or impotent husband. She's just...well,
BORED, lonely and *not feeling it* so she wants out of her marriage. While she wouldn't have grounds for divorce in most states, there is an exception found in Reno, Nevada.
There, Lois finds herself with several other soon-to-be divorcees at the Golden Yarrow ranch, where she must remain for six weeks as part of the divorce process. Lois doesn't connect with the other women and is simply biding her time, that is, until Greer Lang arrives.
Greer is pretty, aloof, seemingly unbound by social norms, and takes to Lois right away. much to Lois' delight. So when Greer begins to dare Lois to push the boundaries of her own life, Lois is all too eager to please. But how far is Lois willing to go to please her friend and find the solitary life she desires?
I wanted to like this book, y'all. The premise is fun and intriguing. But the storyline itself lacks excitement, and even as the plot thickens, it's fairly predictable. I'm glad I finished it, but would I recommend it? Not really.
October 8, 2025
Wishlist | Blog | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Ko-fi
The Divorcées was a very unique read, and although I enjoyed it whilst I was reading it, the ending completely underwhelmed me.
We’re in 1951, in Reno, Nevada, at the Golden Yarrow, the most respectable ranch for divorcees. Women have to spend six weeks in a place like this, so they are able to get divorced.
My Thoughts:
It was quite strange reading about these times, even though I read this book right after finishing Anna Karenina. If only she could spend six weeks in Nevada. Oh well, we digress!
I really enjoyed the beginning and middle of the book. Lois coming to the ranch and meeting the other women staying there. Getting into the routine, and learning new things, making new friendships.
“Because of Rita, I can say with certainty that there’s a path for every girl who comes here. You just need one light to turn on to show you the way.”
But then the new lady comes, Greer, and she changes everything. She is wild and free and pushes Lois to her limits. And despite knowing that Greer sped up the pace of the book and added action and tension, she is also the reason I ended up with a sour taste in my mouth after finishing the book. I just didn’t like that toxic friendship and it ruined it for me.
“As awful as it is, marriage is the only way for a woman to get any freedom.”
I loved everything else – Lois’s character at first, the ranch, the other ladies and their stories. Honestly, I thought they all had more stories to tell and Greer stole all their thunder and the book’s attention was focused mostly on her. I have a feeling like this book could have been so much more, but just was not it for me. A shame, but on to the next…
The Divorcées was a very unique read, and although I enjoyed it whilst I was reading it, the ending completely underwhelmed me.
We’re in 1951, in Reno, Nevada, at the Golden Yarrow, the most respectable ranch for divorcees. Women have to spend six weeks in a place like this, so they are able to get divorced.
My Thoughts:
It was quite strange reading about these times, even though I read this book right after finishing Anna Karenina. If only she could spend six weeks in Nevada. Oh well, we digress!
I really enjoyed the beginning and middle of the book. Lois coming to the ranch and meeting the other women staying there. Getting into the routine, and learning new things, making new friendships.
“Because of Rita, I can say with certainty that there’s a path for every girl who comes here. You just need one light to turn on to show you the way.”
But then the new lady comes, Greer, and she changes everything. She is wild and free and pushes Lois to her limits. And despite knowing that Greer sped up the pace of the book and added action and tension, she is also the reason I ended up with a sour taste in my mouth after finishing the book. I just didn’t like that toxic friendship and it ruined it for me.
“As awful as it is, marriage is the only way for a woman to get any freedom.”
I loved everything else – Lois’s character at first, the ranch, the other ladies and their stories. Honestly, I thought they all had more stories to tell and Greer stole all their thunder and the book’s attention was focused mostly on her. I have a feeling like this book could have been so much more, but just was not it for me. A shame, but on to the next…
December 1, 2023
The title and cover definitely promised a fun read, and I definitely enjoyed the historical fiction aspect, learning about the Reno ranches where women could establish residency in 6 weeks to qualify for a divorce without having to have some strict "accepted" reasons. At first it seemed like this would be a character-driven novel about a young woman, Lois Gorski Saunders, desperate to escape from a boring and loveless marriage in Chicago. The author does a good job of establishing the fact that marriage was often the only route a woman had to create her own adult life. And a divorce in the early 1950's guaranteed that the woman would have a handicap establishing a new life with the label of "divorcee." However, somewhere around page 100, I found Lois's widely varied escapades to be a bit confusing. I was not terribly surprised when there seemed to be hints of an LQBTQ relationship brewing between Lois and another new ranch resident. There had been early statements about Lois having a negative view of marriage with absolutely no desire to procreate, followed by all those tooth-tingling jolts when a certain female resident looked at her. But then wait... did Lois just have a heterosexual hookup, or was she dreaming that? I had to go back and reread a few pages. The plans for criminal activity seemed to come out of nowhere. So after feeling disbelief at these earlier adventures, I struggled with deciding on a rating of 3 versus 4. Ultimately, since I valued the historical divorce information, the unique setting of the old divorce ranches, and thought that the concluding television scene combined with details about monogrammed shirts were believable and provided a satisfying conclusion, I rounded my rating up to a 4 .
April 9, 2024
The topic of this book, the "Divorce ranches " in Nevada in the 50's and 60's was one that seemed fascinating.I have seen movies ( the Women, and The Misfits)and recently read a book- Better luck Next Time, that were on this topic. I enjoyed the aforementioned movies and books. I did not enjoy this book. I really wanted to like it, a lot.It started out promising, following 2 women who take a train to a ranch to wait out their 6 weeks prior to a divorce. Lois left her husband, because he wanted children and she did not. She seemed to have gotten married because she wanted to leave her father, and now she seems headed back to him. Mary Elizabeth seems more distressed, hiding something, and frail. I really thought the book would be about the two of them. And while there are many characters in the story,a new one comes in about a third of the way through-Greer. And everyone takes a back seat to her. We lean about her in bits and pieces, through Lois's viewpoint. Greer is also seeking a divorce, and befriends Lois, but why, and for what purpose is what drives the story. The story is slow moving and ponderous. I enjoyed the first part, but liked it less as the book continued.
March 24, 2024
TITLE: THE DIVORCÉES
AUTHOR: Rowan Beaird
PUB DATE: 03.19.2024 Now Available
Set in the glamorous, dizzying world of 1950s Reno, where housewives and movie stars rubbed shoulders at gin-soaked casinos, The Divorcees is a riveting page-turner and a dazzling exploration of female friendship, desire, and freedom.
“A rollicking thriller and poignant coming-of-age story.” ―People "Timelier than ever." ―The Cut
THOUGHTS:
If you were a woman in the 1950’s with money, and wanted a divorce, one way to do it was to take up residency in Reno for six weeks like the Golden Yarrow, before going before a judge. This novel follows Lois as she stays at the ranch and the complex female friendships and the bonds they form while there. I found it a truly fascinating historical fiction read during a period in time I know very little about, and it was a dazzling and eye opening romp into the era.
An easy five star read that has me still thinking about the women, the ranch, and Reno.
AUTHOR: Rowan Beaird
PUB DATE: 03.19.2024 Now Available
Set in the glamorous, dizzying world of 1950s Reno, where housewives and movie stars rubbed shoulders at gin-soaked casinos, The Divorcees is a riveting page-turner and a dazzling exploration of female friendship, desire, and freedom.
“A rollicking thriller and poignant coming-of-age story.” ―People "Timelier than ever." ―The Cut
THOUGHTS:
If you were a woman in the 1950’s with money, and wanted a divorce, one way to do it was to take up residency in Reno for six weeks like the Golden Yarrow, before going before a judge. This novel follows Lois as she stays at the ranch and the complex female friendships and the bonds they form while there. I found it a truly fascinating historical fiction read during a period in time I know very little about, and it was a dazzling and eye opening romp into the era.
An easy five star read that has me still thinking about the women, the ranch, and Reno.
October 1, 2023
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.
Thanks to NetGalley and Flatiron Books for allowing me access to the ARC.
July 12, 2023
Full review TK.
* Thank you to Flatiron Books for the ARC for review. The Divorcées publishes in March 2024.
Notes:
Wealthy women at a divorce ranch in 1950s Reno.
Lois has been closed off, prim and proper, lonely her entire life - meets Greer Lang and starts to open up.
Debut!
* Thank you to Flatiron Books for the ARC for review. The Divorcées publishes in March 2024.
Notes:
Wealthy women at a divorce ranch in 1950s Reno.
Lois has been closed off, prim and proper, lonely her entire life - meets Greer Lang and starts to open up.
Debut!
March 11, 2024
An interesting look at 1950s life for women looking for a divorce and the 'ranches' they stay at in Reno while waiting out the legal waiting period required to file. This was a story of female friendship, women taking back their agency and an unexpected Ocean's eleven type casino con game that goes wrong. Good on audio narrated by Bailey Carr and recommended for fans of books like Shoulder season by Christina Clancy. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!
February 10, 2024
This book intrigued because it is written by a Chicago author and there are references to Lake Forest, a place I am very familiar with. However, this was possibly the dullest, most lengthy feeling book I've read in a long time. Many thanks to libro.fm for an ALC of this because I definitely wouldn't have made it through without listening to it.
The premise: Lois Saunders arrives at a ranch in Nevada for women looking to easily get a divorce in Reno. Among the colorful cast of women present is a mysterious woman named Greer, who arrives late one night with a beaten up face and refuses to dine with the other residents. Instantly enthralled with Greer, Lois wants to be as close as she can to her, risking her integrity and disregarding red flags.
Why I didn't like this book:
- Lois was a boring character who really hadn't grown by the end of this book.
- It was so predictable. Anyone could guess what would happen in the lead up to the climax without being a Miss Marple. I could have cared less about what happened to the characters, but by the time I realized this book was a flop, I was too far in to not finish it.
- Nothing happens in the first 72% of the book. It gets interesting for a little while, but peters back out to being blasé.
- I found it ironic that Lois and the other women who supposedly supported one another during their divorces were extremely catty. Lois especially has a negative comment about the appearance of every woman she interacts with (e.g. her lipstick made her lips look too big; the blue jeans made her legs unattractive; she was no Marlene Dietrich) which gets really old really fast. I guess it was mimicking human nature in that we do superficially judge one another, but it was an extreme.
- I'm curious as to why the author placed Lois' hometown in Lake Forest because nothing special was really attributed to it. It's also said an inordinate amount of times (synonyms would have been great such as "hometown") which bugged me for some reason.
In the end, I think the author writes well and has a promising future, but this book was so Lackluster, had One-dimensional characters, and felt like it lacked Purpose.
The premise: Lois Saunders arrives at a ranch in Nevada for women looking to easily get a divorce in Reno. Among the colorful cast of women present is a mysterious woman named Greer, who arrives late one night with a beaten up face and refuses to dine with the other residents. Instantly enthralled with Greer, Lois wants to be as close as she can to her, risking her integrity and disregarding red flags.
Why I didn't like this book:
- Lois was a boring character who really hadn't grown by the end of this book.
- It was so predictable. Anyone could guess what would happen in the lead up to the climax without being a Miss Marple. I could have cared less about what happened to the characters, but by the time I realized this book was a flop, I was too far in to not finish it.
- Nothing happens in the first 72% of the book. It gets interesting for a little while, but peters back out to being blasé.
- I found it ironic that Lois and the other women who supposedly supported one another during their divorces were extremely catty. Lois especially has a negative comment about the appearance of every woman she interacts with (e.g. her lipstick made her lips look too big; the blue jeans made her legs unattractive; she was no Marlene Dietrich) which gets really old really fast. I guess it was mimicking human nature in that we do superficially judge one another, but it was an extreme.
- I'm curious as to why the author placed Lois' hometown in Lake Forest because nothing special was really attributed to it. It's also said an inordinate amount of times (synonyms would have been great such as "hometown") which bugged me for some reason.
In the end, I think the author writes well and has a promising future, but this book was so Lackluster, had One-dimensional characters, and felt like it lacked Purpose.
February 7, 2024
This book simply was not my cup of tea. It was mildly entertaining (for the sole reason that I felt like I had to listen to it so I could give a review), but I didn't enjoy it. The premise of it was interesting enough for me to request the ARC, but the main character's obsession with getting approval from the other guests at the ranch made me cringe. She was so flat as a character. I know it's supposed to be set in a different time period from our modern one and that women tended to be a little more dependent, but this was a lot.
Lois and Greer's relationship was so weird to me. Greer is terrible and manipulative while Lois is a people-pleasing ingenue. I was constantly frustrated and found myself being more interested in the other characters, who I actually seemed to like. I guess maybe it could have been the intention of the author to make the characters unlikeable, but I like to like one of the primary characters in my books otherwise I don't feel like I have a reason to read/listen to it.
Lois and Greer's relationship was so weird to me. Greer is terrible and manipulative while Lois is a people-pleasing ingenue. I was constantly frustrated and found myself being more interested in the other characters, who I actually seemed to like. I guess maybe it could have been the intention of the author to make the characters unlikeable, but I like to like one of the primary characters in my books otherwise I don't feel like I have a reason to read/listen to it.
March 29, 2024
I really enjoyed this 1950's story about Lois leaving her husband and going to a "divorce ranch" in Nevada. These ranches were something I was not aware of, so that part was interesting to me. I appreciated the lovely descriptions of the desert setting, and the character development of Lois, as well as the other women at the ranch, particularly the mysterious Greer. I will say I found the ending a bit odd and abrupt, but it did not diminish my enjoyment of the book. I definitely recommend this one!
February 24, 2024
It’s 1951 and Lois wants to divorce her husband. So off she goes to Reno where she must stay at a divorce ranch for 6 months and then she will have her divorce granted. This one was not for me. I didn’t get it. I expected some kind of finding oneself, girl power, bonding kind of story, and I did not get that. Nothing happened. The whole story felt flat and bland. I thought things were going to pick up at the end and some things were going to be revealed…but no.
December 30, 2024
Pretty cover, but also pretty boring
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,291 reviews