The Butches of Madison County

by Ellen Orleans

This hilarious parody pokes fun both at Robert Waller's bestseller and at lesbian romance novels.

Genres: Queer, Fiction, Queer Lit, Lesbian Fiction, LGBT, Lesbian

94 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1995

Reviews

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delightful romp! This lesbian parody of Bridges of Madison County affectionately pokes fun at romantic tropes along with lesbian and feminist stereotypes. Orleans' embraces the absurdity of sweeping romance with humor and gusto, making this a true laugh-out-loud read. Much more enjoyable than watching a certain Clint Eastwood film with my swooning mom while growing up.

[Bethany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I found this in a little used book store in Colorado and almost didn't buy it. I don't know why I hesitated since unexpectedly finding lesbian books is the highlight of my life. I guess I thought I might not find it funny, since the excerpt on the back made it seem a little OTT. But it wasn't, really. I liked the humor and thought it was a nice mix of lesbian mockery and celebration. So... good purchase!

"Even though we've only known each other for a little more than 96 hours, even though we have absolutely no real world experience with each other and even though we're both totally immersed in the highly irrational infatuation stage of this fledgling relationship, I know in my heart that no matter how long I live or how many lifetimes I live, you will be the only woman I'll ever be able to love with my whole being, my whole soul and my whole heart."

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes over-the-top, but quite funny and even romantic, and I loved the ending. I love that women deserve to be together. Odd little gems like this are the reason I love to peruse lgbt+ bookstores!

[Ondine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hilarious. I was a queer teenager in 1995, so a lot of the references were funny and familiar to me, and they would be probably for a lot of lesbian identified people over the age of 40. I think this book wouldn't make as much sense to someone who is currently 20 years old because of how much it relies on 90s pop culture stuff. I though, laughed my butt off and enjoyed the trip down memory lane.

[Arielle Diaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was silly, I never read the book it is based on but this version was funny. The one touch mutual orgasm had me actually laugh out loud. I feel like lesbian romances are still written this way. It's just ridiculous, less than 24 hours we are in love and uhauling.

[slp]

surprisingly sweet, earnest, and well written for also being such a fun and ridiculous over the top parody.

[Cher · Rating 5 out of 5]

You don't have to have seen The Bridges of Madison County to spend an hour laughing your way through this hilarious skewering of the film and of lesbian cliches. Pretty much the funniest thing I have ever read.

[Christa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this fabu book before I even met Ellen, so my love for it is genuine (not just because I know you'll read this, dear Ellen.)

[Alva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I haven't laughed so much in a long time!