What do you think?
Rate this book
Proposition 31
Robert Rimmers Proposition 31is it legalized adultery or the preservation of the family? Afterwards, Nancy couldnt remember when it had all started. Or just how theyd taken the first intimate step. But, it wasnt until one perfect weekend in New Hampshire that they all knew they could never live monogamously again-that they loved and needed each other and that they were proud of it-that the years ahead would be difficult for all of them-but that now there was no turning back
292 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1969
2 people are currently reading
50 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
September 22, 2025
First time I have ever been the first to review a book on here. Stumbled on Prop 31 at one of those local lender libraries. I think it was an original printing as the pages/paper a bit brittle. A book about dull marriages in suburban LA (San Pedro & Palos Verdes Peninsula) circa 1968 that get enlivened when the couples form a joint marriage. Rimmer refers to it as a corporate marriage. Through his fictional characters, Bob Rimmer rails against conventional marriage as the only optional. Bob stresses his concept is NOT about swinging or wife swapping. The participants are all essentially married to each other, so it is a more defined commitment than polyamory. To understand this book you also have to understand Bob Rimmer. He was a born & bred New Englander with all the repressive Puritan upbringing. Bob himself never stepped outside a traditional marriage, but I believe he played the field once he struck fame. Don't quote me on that, tho. So his Prop 31 was a fantasy that he would like to have seen become reality.
He does a good job of describing recent history (the late sixties). His writing is quite proficient. He goes a bit too much into sociology and far-out California fads. He tries to disguise this novel as a sociology textbook on joint marriage....including citations and a lengthy glossary/reference section at the conclusion of the story.
Prop 31 follows along after his success with The Harrod Experiment; his most well-known work. I haven't read Harrod, but I would suggest you read that prior to reading Prop 31. Prop 31 does have some erotic passages in it. I speculate that Bob Rimmer was a naturally horny guy and quite preoccupied with sex much of the time. Born in 1917, Harrod came out in 1966, so he got into writing late in life. He was quite prolific once he did. Prop 31 scored much closer to 4 than 3 for me. Definitely a decent story. Hope this all helps.
He does a good job of describing recent history (the late sixties). His writing is quite proficient. He goes a bit too much into sociology and far-out California fads. He tries to disguise this novel as a sociology textbook on joint marriage....including citations and a lengthy glossary/reference section at the conclusion of the story.
Prop 31 follows along after his success with The Harrod Experiment; his most well-known work. I haven't read Harrod, but I would suggest you read that prior to reading Prop 31. Prop 31 does have some erotic passages in it. I speculate that Bob Rimmer was a naturally horny guy and quite preoccupied with sex much of the time. Born in 1917, Harrod came out in 1966, so he got into writing late in life. He was quite prolific once he did. Prop 31 scored much closer to 4 than 3 for me. Definitely a decent story. Hope this all helps.
Displaying 1 of 1 review