Two Serious Ladies [B0773]

2014 PB reprint of the 1943 original. A daring and unconventional novel that explores the lives of two eccentric women seeking meaning and liberation in a world defined by societal norms and expectations. With her sharp wit and singular voice, Bowles crafts a story that is as enigmatic as it is compelling. The narrative follows the parallel yet divergent journeys of Christina Goering, a wealthy recluse with a penchant for self-imposed challenges, and Frieda Copperfield, a restless woman who seeks freedom and adventure during a trip to Panama. As their lives unfold, both women make increasingly bold and unpredictable choices, defying convention and embracing experiences that lead them into uncharted emotional and existential territory. Through encounters with an array of colorful characters-ranging from lovers and friends to strangers who challenge their perspectives-Goering and Copperfield grapple with themes of desire, identity, and the pursuit of authenticity. Their stories are laced with humor, melancholy, and a sense of the absurd, reflecting Bowles's keen understanding of human complexity. Richly atmospheric and boldly introspective, Two Serious Ladies is a celebration of individuality and a critique of the societal pressures that constrain it. Bowles's unique prose style and offbeat sensibilities make the novel a cult classic, resonating with readers who appreciate stories of self-discovery told with wit, poignancy, and a touch of surrealism.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "Fantastically interesting! I love women who are not ashamed to be cool!"; "It took me a while to get into this book, once I did I found myself laughing out loud."; "Imagine you go into the nearest bar and pick up the first person that you find and take them home adopt them,fall in love with them whatever, and in any conversation you have you say exactly what comes into your mind. There, you have the gist of this book."; "Witty, spellbinding, debaucherous."; "Felt very much like being on the receiving end of a deeply strange powerpoint presentation filled with wonderful but confusing images. I was convinced that I felt ambivalent (at most!) about both serious ladies until the very end, when I suddenly realized that I had mysteriously developed a lot of affection for them somewhere along the way. I am grudgingly impressed at what Bowles managed to pull off."