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Pearl
Edith sleepwalks through a life so normal as to be boring. She lives with her mother, works a mundane job to support them, and makes no waves among the ladies of her sleepy 1920's Canadian town. Secretly, though, she watches the flappers and so-called "loose women" with envy, dreaming of what glamorous lives they must have. And that's before Clark walks into her life.
Clark embodies the world that Edith wishes she could be a part of. He's slick and dangerous and sexy in a way Edith has never experienced. So when Clark offers her a window into his world, she dives through without thinking. On the other side, though, her black and white world explodes into shades of gray, challenging Edith in ways she never imagined.
Length: 9,600 words (24 pages)
Clark embodies the world that Edith wishes she could be a part of. He's slick and dangerous and sexy in a way Edith has never experienced. So when Clark offers her a window into his world, she dives through without thinking. On the other side, though, her black and white world explodes into shades of gray, challenging Edith in ways she never imagined.
Length: 9,600 words (24 pages)
24 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 26, 2012
1 person is currently reading
207 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Rand
7 books11 followersI'm a writer and editor with high hopes, low expectations and too much curiosity for my own damn good. I write stories about vulnerable people who are figuring themselves out because I suppose I am perpetually figuring myself out too. So far, I know that I am pure rock 'n' roll.
I have a particular love of fiction that explores gender binaries, and will read just about any trans story put in front of me. I prefer stories with complex female characters who are motivated beyond the typical gotta-get-that-man, because that motivation is lame. I write m/m, f/f, m/f and every other combination.
I like live music and road trips, and still write paper letters. I love when people follow me on Twitter because then I can follow them back.
I have a particular love of fiction that explores gender binaries, and will read just about any trans story put in front of me. I prefer stories with complex female characters who are motivated beyond the typical gotta-get-that-man, because that motivation is lame. I write m/m, f/f, m/f and every other combination.
I like live music and road trips, and still write paper letters. I love when people follow me on Twitter because then I can follow them back.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 23, 2015
As the first Trans* title to be offered by Storm Moon Press, Kelly Rand's Pearl is a story that I was really excited to read. What Kelly has offered up is a thoughtful, romantic, deliciously (and deliberately) dated tale of love between an innocent small-town Canadian woman and the handsome young man who wanders into town.
This is not just a tale that's conveniently set in the 1920s for the purposes of atmosphere, but one that makes careful use of small-town sexual repression to explore the consequences of such a taboo relationship. It looks, sounds, and feels authentic on every page, with just the right narrative tone and language to bring Edith and Clark alive.
The fact that Clark is a transman is integral to the story, and the details of his gender are just as significant as they are sympathetic. I loved the way in which we drew Edith out of her shell, exposing her to the greater word and all it has to offer. Their love is sudden, frantic, and overwhelming - it's not the slowburn kind of romance you'd expect from the time period, which adds a sense of danger to the delight surrounding their spontaneity.
Just an overall great story, the kind of romance that leaves you with a contended smile upon your face. Hopefully SMP will continue to delve into the Trans* shelves and bring us more stories like this.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
This is not just a tale that's conveniently set in the 1920s for the purposes of atmosphere, but one that makes careful use of small-town sexual repression to explore the consequences of such a taboo relationship. It looks, sounds, and feels authentic on every page, with just the right narrative tone and language to bring Edith and Clark alive.
The fact that Clark is a transman is integral to the story, and the details of his gender are just as significant as they are sympathetic. I loved the way in which we drew Edith out of her shell, exposing her to the greater word and all it has to offer. Their love is sudden, frantic, and overwhelming - it's not the slowburn kind of romance you'd expect from the time period, which adds a sense of danger to the delight surrounding their spontaneity.
Just an overall great story, the kind of romance that leaves you with a contended smile upon your face. Hopefully SMP will continue to delve into the Trans* shelves and bring us more stories like this.
As published on Bending the Bookshelf
May 1, 2012
Overall
This short story is a charming look at Edith, a sexually repressed woman, and Clark, a transman, and Edith's eyes being opened not just to her own sexuality but to the world at large. Everything was tastefully handled and the language is reminiscent of a much older time period (as if it were written in that time, not just taking place then).
It is an almost simple story dealing with complex issues, and while some may challenge the somewhat insta-love qualities, I felt it was fitting for the characters. Considering Edith's limited emotional engagement and her sudden awakening, plus Clark's state, finding one another would lead them to do considerably rash things, and I felt it was appropriate for the characters.
The writing, the style, the feel of the story, and the characters all fell into place to form a superb short story. While there is a lot we are never told due to its length, we are not left wanting either.
A sweet, thoughtful story that lets the reader finish the story.
Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
This short story is a charming look at Edith, a sexually repressed woman, and Clark, a transman, and Edith's eyes being opened not just to her own sexuality but to the world at large. Everything was tastefully handled and the language is reminiscent of a much older time period (as if it were written in that time, not just taking place then).
It is an almost simple story dealing with complex issues, and while some may challenge the somewhat insta-love qualities, I felt it was fitting for the characters. Considering Edith's limited emotional engagement and her sudden awakening, plus Clark's state, finding one another would lead them to do considerably rash things, and I felt it was appropriate for the characters.
The writing, the style, the feel of the story, and the characters all fell into place to form a superb short story. While there is a lot we are never told due to its length, we are not left wanting either.
A sweet, thoughtful story that lets the reader finish the story.
Received this book for review.
Be sure to check out my other reviews on my blog.
April 23, 2014
This is a little gem set in the Prohibition era, about a young woman named Edith who lives a dull, repressed & prosaic life, as the obedient daughter of a domineering mother, but her thoughts & dreams tell us she wants so much more. Then she meets "Clark", who isn't quite what he seems to be. Handsome, always sharply dressed, & rocking a certain "bad-boy" allure, the mysterious & intriguingly androgynous, Clark fascinates Edith. When she accepts his invitation to a night out, Clark takes Edith to an underground nightclub & introduces her to another world. It's an exotic, eye-opening, forbidden world Edith finds exciting, scary, glamorous & shockingly erotic. Afterward certain things fall into place, a mystery is solved, and Clark shares an important secret. With the truth now revealed, her mind opened & her sexuality awakened, Edith must make decisions that will change her life forever.
This is a short, but well worth reading. There were references to "behavior issues" & "acting out", which I felt were anachronistic for the 1920's, there may have been a few others like that too. But really that's nit-picking & didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
This is a short, but well worth reading. There were references to "behavior issues" & "acting out", which I felt were anachronistic for the 1920's, there may have been a few others like that too. But really that's nit-picking & didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book.
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March 30, 2021I really want to read it but I can't find it anywhere :(
June 17, 2012
This short is hot and sweet, holding a bit of something different. Kelly Rand sets her well-crafted story, Pearl, in the Roaring Twenties, in a small town where the biggest roar is boredom. Then she throws the doors of possibility open.
Edith, she of the ordinary name, ordinary job, and ordinary life, finds her biggest excitement in her friend’s engagement and her secretarial job. She lives with her widowed mother, stifled by routine and custom: excitement is for other people, and comes with a share of gossip. Why, for instance, does the neighbor cringe away from the world? The sorrow of losing a daughter long ago, Edith is told, and no one but she considers where a gain might lie.
A handsome, androgynous man, Clark, comes to visit the bereaved neighbors, and takes an interest in Edith. Little rebellions foment in Edith in the wake of their conversations—she’s less the dutiful daughter in small ways, suddenly insisting on thinking for herself and doing things that please her. If Clark suggests going to a gin joint (This is Prohibition in the US and Temperance time in Canada), then Edith is ready to shed a little convention and go.
The gin joint assists in shedding more conventions; women dance wantonly with men or other women, men hold hands, and no one looks askance. Edith finds her own inhibitions dissolving, and learns who Clark once was.
When even walking home alone from church if mama wants to stay and chat is a daring act, Clark’s remaking of himself takes supreme courage, something Edith admires after the initial shock. If Clark can take on a new life, so can Edith, because life is much bigger than the tiny chunk of it she’s allowed.
Kelly Rand uses tiny acts with great effect—she outlines the stifling life Edith leads with a few deftly drawn motions, and Clark’s freedom shows in the small things, like owning two hats. An entire sea of sex opens up with one statement—One day I’ll kiss you there—and Edith’s world is about to get a lot bigger. The charm of this story is far larger than the twenty-four pages. 4.5 stars
Edith, she of the ordinary name, ordinary job, and ordinary life, finds her biggest excitement in her friend’s engagement and her secretarial job. She lives with her widowed mother, stifled by routine and custom: excitement is for other people, and comes with a share of gossip. Why, for instance, does the neighbor cringe away from the world? The sorrow of losing a daughter long ago, Edith is told, and no one but she considers where a gain might lie.
A handsome, androgynous man, Clark, comes to visit the bereaved neighbors, and takes an interest in Edith. Little rebellions foment in Edith in the wake of their conversations—she’s less the dutiful daughter in small ways, suddenly insisting on thinking for herself and doing things that please her. If Clark suggests going to a gin joint (This is Prohibition in the US and Temperance time in Canada), then Edith is ready to shed a little convention and go.
The gin joint assists in shedding more conventions; women dance wantonly with men or other women, men hold hands, and no one looks askance. Edith finds her own inhibitions dissolving, and learns who Clark once was.
When even walking home alone from church if mama wants to stay and chat is a daring act, Clark’s remaking of himself takes supreme courage, something Edith admires after the initial shock. If Clark can take on a new life, so can Edith, because life is much bigger than the tiny chunk of it she’s allowed.
Kelly Rand uses tiny acts with great effect—she outlines the stifling life Edith leads with a few deftly drawn motions, and Clark’s freedom shows in the small things, like owning two hats. An entire sea of sex opens up with one statement—One day I’ll kiss you there—and Edith’s world is about to get a lot bigger. The charm of this story is far larger than the twenty-four pages. 4.5 stars
June 9, 2012
Pearl is a fast-paced, interesting and sexy read from the first page to the last word. I was intrigued by the main characters in this book and loved the sizzling chemistry between them. Pearl is set in the 1920’s. During this time many women were repressed and the heroine, Edith, is a prime example of this. Edith longs for more excitement in her life. She’s a young woman who has followed the strict rules that society, and the expectations from her family have given her. But lately, Edith has become very restless. She desires adventure and has her own dreams she wants to be fulfilled.
When the sexy young man, Clark, comes to visit her next door neighbor, Edith is immediately intrigued and attracted to the pretty man. As soon as Edith finds out the attraction she has for Clark is mutual, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to spend time with the young man. But as Edith continues to hang around her potential beau, she begins to suspect there is more to Clark than meets the eye. When Edith discovers the truth about Clark, will she have the courage to follow her heart and take a chance on finding the love of a lifetime?
I LOVED this short story! My only gripe about this book is I truly wish it has been longer. I loved both characters and quickly rallied behind them somehow finding their happy ending together. I liked the mystery and captivation that Edith had for Clark, because I found myself becoming just as intrigued about him as well. I thought the story had a smooth, lyrical flow to it and I would love to read more about these characters in the future.
I admit I haven’t read a lot of transgendered romances, but I thought Pearl was beautifully written and now I’m anxious to read more of this genre. I’ll also be looking out for more books written by Ms. Rand, while I’ll be rereading this book over and over again when I’m craving a sweet, sexy and well-written transgendered romance.
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When the sexy young man, Clark, comes to visit her next door neighbor, Edith is immediately intrigued and attracted to the pretty man. As soon as Edith finds out the attraction she has for Clark is mutual, she is thrilled to have the opportunity to spend time with the young man. But as Edith continues to hang around her potential beau, she begins to suspect there is more to Clark than meets the eye. When Edith discovers the truth about Clark, will she have the courage to follow her heart and take a chance on finding the love of a lifetime?
I LOVED this short story! My only gripe about this book is I truly wish it has been longer. I loved both characters and quickly rallied behind them somehow finding their happy ending together. I liked the mystery and captivation that Edith had for Clark, because I found myself becoming just as intrigued about him as well. I thought the story had a smooth, lyrical flow to it and I would love to read more about these characters in the future.
I admit I haven’t read a lot of transgendered romances, but I thought Pearl was beautifully written and now I’m anxious to read more of this genre. I’ll also be looking out for more books written by Ms. Rand, while I’ll be rereading this book over and over again when I’m craving a sweet, sexy and well-written transgendered romance.
http://top2bottomreviews.wordpress.com/
June 4, 2012
This won’t be a long review because Pearl isn’t a very long story, and I wish with all of me that it was longer. There is a beautiful story to be told about Pearl, because I want to know the girl she was, and how he became the man called Clark.
Edith is watching life go by; she would like to be a participant of it but lacks the courage to do so. It’s a life of chores, church going, and the constant bickering of women gossiping. Edith wishes to be like the flappers, with their short hair, short skirts, and cigarettes in hand. To be one of the ‘loose women’ is what Edith wants but fears she will never have.
Then there was Clark, he’s everything Edith wants. With his mysterious aura, and sexy good looks and he’s invited her into his world. Will Edith be able to accept the things Clark is offering, and live the life she has always dreamed.
The writing really captures your attention in a few pages, and Clark will have you wanting to know him. What’s rather important is that we know of Pearl, but he never becomes Pearl as you continue to read. That comes through with Edith descriptions and feelings for the beautiful man. I can picture the 1920’s so clear in my mind, the brink of prohibition and the dangers surrounding it and Clark involved in it all.
There’s something important in this story, just beneath the surface that Clark can easily go back to living as a woman if circumstances demand it, but would that make him any less of a man? It gave me something to think about and I ponder… Overall, really enjoyed this story and wish it were longer. Clark is engraved in my mind, and I look forward to see what else Kelly Rand will offer us.
SideNote- Love that freaking cover. LOVE!
Edith is watching life go by; she would like to be a participant of it but lacks the courage to do so. It’s a life of chores, church going, and the constant bickering of women gossiping. Edith wishes to be like the flappers, with their short hair, short skirts, and cigarettes in hand. To be one of the ‘loose women’ is what Edith wants but fears she will never have.
Then there was Clark, he’s everything Edith wants. With his mysterious aura, and sexy good looks and he’s invited her into his world. Will Edith be able to accept the things Clark is offering, and live the life she has always dreamed.
The writing really captures your attention in a few pages, and Clark will have you wanting to know him. What’s rather important is that we know of Pearl, but he never becomes Pearl as you continue to read. That comes through with Edith descriptions and feelings for the beautiful man. I can picture the 1920’s so clear in my mind, the brink of prohibition and the dangers surrounding it and Clark involved in it all.
There’s something important in this story, just beneath the surface that Clark can easily go back to living as a woman if circumstances demand it, but would that make him any less of a man? It gave me something to think about and I ponder… Overall, really enjoyed this story and wish it were longer. Clark is engraved in my mind, and I look forward to see what else Kelly Rand will offer us.
SideNote- Love that freaking cover. LOVE!
September 6, 2012
This is a quick read, because it's a short story, but it's a rich story. It's set during the Prohibition period but it takes place in Canada. Edith is a repressed young woman, living with her overbearing mother, but she's not a quenched spirit. She watches and dreams the way of life of the young women who seem to experiment and live more freely. Her aspiration and desire are something that she can't quite name. One day a young man, Clark, visits her neighbors and she's attracted to him and he gives her a taste of something different and more exciting and, in a way, he gives her the solution to a mystery.
The details of that time are scattered through the books, painting the images of an era that, at least for me, has always had a glamorous façade, with a touch of dark danger. When apparently the roles were set, there were those challenging those roles and living more boldly. Edith is apparently heading in the direction of spinsterhood - you get the idea of an unconventional beauty and the dwindling hopes of her mother - but she's also curious and not resigned to her fate. Clark is the living proof that you can shape your destiny and, to Edith, the ticket to that destination.
I don't know if I'd like to know more, to know what happens after the book ends on that high note of freedom and possibilities. It's not a whole meal, but a succulent fruit. Beautiful writing. Recommended.
The details of that time are scattered through the books, painting the images of an era that, at least for me, has always had a glamorous façade, with a touch of dark danger. When apparently the roles were set, there were those challenging those roles and living more boldly. Edith is apparently heading in the direction of spinsterhood - you get the idea of an unconventional beauty and the dwindling hopes of her mother - but she's also curious and not resigned to her fate. Clark is the living proof that you can shape your destiny and, to Edith, the ticket to that destination.
I don't know if I'd like to know more, to know what happens after the book ends on that high note of freedom and possibilities. It's not a whole meal, but a succulent fruit. Beautiful writing. Recommended.
May 23, 2012
This story gives exactly what it promises. And in this case, that's not a failure of vision or ambition—it's a testament to a tightly constructed, wonderful little short story. The atmosphere is gorgeous, and it drew out the beauty of a setting I never would have imagined as beautiful.
And the cover. Wow! So perfectly matched to the story. It makes me think how great this would be as a photorealistic graphic novel...
I'm definitely looking forward to more by this author.
And the cover. Wow! So perfectly matched to the story. It makes me think how great this would be as a photorealistic graphic novel...
I'm definitely looking forward to more by this author.
May 17, 2012
This was a really beautiful story. Gorgeous, descriptive prose, some Jazz Age glitz, and an unexpected love story. I loved everything about it, especially Edith and the way she reacts when she figures out Clark's secret. I wish there'd been more, but in the best way—I would happily read the continuing adventures of Edith and Clark. Very highly recommended.
April 11, 2013
This story was like a still life painting of a bowl of fruit. Beautifully constructed with great period details, but I didn't feel anything.
September 8, 2014
Absolutely loved this one! It has its flaws that could be fixed by extending the story a bit, and yet it's better than anything I've read lately.
September 9, 2012
So very very gorgeous. And far, far too short.
It's hard to figure out WHAT to say, especially since I really don't want to be all spoilery, about the story itself, but it was deeply touching. The prose was beautiful, sparkling and flowing like a stream when Edith and Clark were interacting, and still flowing yet still conveying the more drab realities of Edith's life outside of Clark. There was a distinct moment of opening possibilities as Edith discovered and accepted who she was, and who Clark was, rather like watching a time-lapse video of a butterfly splitting its cocoon and drying it wings for flight.
Actually, I rather like that metaphor: Edith as the butterfly, with this story capturing the moment the cocoon begins to split, until the wings are dry and ready to go.
Part of me is saying "More more more!" The writing was so lovely I am definitely going to be keeping my eyes open for more from this author. On the other hand, there's a fragile, tenuous sort of hopefulness about a butterfly; it's so easy to imagine them damaged that that one perfect moment hanging there is the one to keep.
It's hard to figure out WHAT to say, especially since I really don't want to be all spoilery, about the story itself, but it was deeply touching. The prose was beautiful, sparkling and flowing like a stream when Edith and Clark were interacting, and still flowing yet still conveying the more drab realities of Edith's life outside of Clark. There was a distinct moment of opening possibilities as Edith discovered and accepted who she was, and who Clark was, rather like watching a time-lapse video of a butterfly splitting its cocoon and drying it wings for flight.
Actually, I rather like that metaphor: Edith as the butterfly, with this story capturing the moment the cocoon begins to split, until the wings are dry and ready to go.
Part of me is saying "More more more!" The writing was so lovely I am definitely going to be keeping my eyes open for more from this author. On the other hand, there's a fragile, tenuous sort of hopefulness about a butterfly; it's so easy to imagine them damaged that that one perfect moment hanging there is the one to keep.
July 19, 2013
I don't think I've read anything set in prohibition-era Canada before, but I'd now love to know more about the background. Edith watches the world go by, and dreams. So when she sees a newcomer to her town, outside the house of neighbours whose young daughter, Pearl, died at the age of 12 a decade or so before, Edith is fascinated. Clark is an outsider in more ways than one -- a bootlegger as well as a rebel, and hiding his origins from the world -- and when his past starts to catch up with him, Edith will have to decide whether to take a chance on everything she's dreamed about.
Utterly delightful.
Utterly delightful.
April 27, 2013
I loved the setting and the dynamic between the two characters. I'm not usually a huge fan of short stories because I like lots of detail and becoming immersed in the world of the characters, but I thought this was really well done. It certainly could be longer with more history of both characters and it could also follow the path Edith chooses to take once the story ends. However, it works really well as a short. There are bursts of heat with the sex scenes and you definitely feel the connection between Edith and Clark. Excellent writing and storytelling.
April 14, 2016
I was surprised how much story the author was able to fit into just a few pages, without ever feeling crowded.
It actually reminded me a lot of The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery, with the cold mother, the stifled daughter worrying about spinsterhood, and the unsuitable man with a ramshackle car.
It actually reminded me a lot of The Blue Castle by LM Montgomery, with the cold mother, the stifled daughter worrying about spinsterhood, and the unsuitable man with a ramshackle car.
July 8, 2012
Longer review to come, but holy CRAP I loved this! I could not resist that gorgeous cover, and the writing was fantastic. This is the best novella I've read this year, and I think it's going on my DIK list.
November 28, 2012
This short story is beautifully written, and I loved the premise. Unfortunately, the main character got on my nerves. I found her naïveté rather irritating. The story is still definitely worth reading, though.
September 28, 2012
This was an incredibly beautiful and moving story that left me with a big smile on my face. I only wish it was longer.
May 2, 2012
This was an excellent story.
Well-fleshed out characters and an interesting viewpoint on human relationships.
Well-fleshed out characters and an interesting viewpoint on human relationships.
August 25, 2012
A sweet, short read, rife with period details and the tender beginnings of a love story. Those looking for good trans* romance, look no further!
July 17, 2016
I really liked this short story. Too bad it's not a novel or at least a novella. And the cover is just great.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews