| Title | : | Touchwood |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | 1931513376 |
| ISBN-10 | : | 9781931513371 |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Paperback |
| Number of Pages | : | 288 |
| Publication | : | First published April 10, 1990 |
But Rayann encounters challenges to this new love—from friends who question its wisdom, from her mother who disapproves of this liaison with a woman her own contemporary, from Louisa's son who learns for the first time his mother's true sexuality.
And there are profound differences between Rayann and Louisa themselves, two women who come from dramatically different places in the spectrum of age and life experience. Their only common ground seems to be the searing attraction that they both try to deny...
Originally published by Naiad Press 1991. Second Bella Books edition 2012.
Touchwood Reviews
-
My, my. What a beautiful book. I now understand why Touchwood is a favourite for many readers. I stepped so deeply into this story I feel like I have spent the afternoon in Louisa and Rayann's bookstore. The May-December romance is met with the appropriate amount of fear and challenges but what impressed me the most about Touchwood was hearing about the challenges lesbians faced in their personal and professional lives in the twentieth century.
Kallmaker does a masterful job of educating and reminding the reader that the acceptance and privileges available to same sex couples today is something previous generations could only dream would come true. She effectively discusses how labels like butch and femme do not reflect today's sexual fluidity and that individuals should be allowed to express themselves however they feel comfortable.
A book that was impossible to put down. I'm so glad I had a day off to enjoy the read. -
What can I say? It’s a classic. And I’ve read it a couple of times!
In Karin Kallmaker’s words:
The year is 1990. The first President of the United States to utter the word “lesbian” won’t run for that office for another year. The right to marry wasn’t a high priority on anyone’s list. What was? A silent government while gay men died by the thousands. Being excluded from your loved one’s care even with powers of attorney. The real risk of becoming an outcast to your family, fired from jobs, dishonorably discharged from the military without regard to your service record, or being stalked, harassed, and beaten to death while attackers claimed panic made them do it.
Yet nearly 700 bookstores run by women for women—mostly lesbians—spanned the United States alone. Inside those walls the world was very different.
That’s the world that incubated this story and this writer. A defiant, subversive, determined, and clever culture existed, rich in everything but money.
[...]
This 30th Anniversary Edition has several restored scenes and passages. These scenes were cut [...] at the last minute to reduce the page count. [...] Now those scenes are back.
I also got a chance to change a character’s name back to what I wanted: Marilys, not Marilyn. [...] I liked it because Marilys was one kind of old-fashioned girl—the classic femme kind.
And, very importantly, a 30-year old typo was corrected. Perhaps more than one. -
This is the 30th-anniversary edition of this novel. Touchwood was originally published in 1991 by the now extinct Naiad Press and later released as a second edition in 2021 by Bella Books. To say that a sapphic book has been published so many years ago is an accomplishment on its own (there were few books available back then), but to read it now and find it is still current is what classics are made from.
When Rayann Germaine was cheated on by her lover, she finds herself homeless and unemployed. She is offered a place to live and a job by bookshop owner Louisa Thatcher who is 25 years her senior. Both women feel an undeniable attraction but they are very different in age and life experiences.
This is an age-gap, opposite-attracts romance set in San Francisco in the early 1990s. For those of us who came out around that time, we know that it was hard enough. However, this story manages to highlight the difficulties and at the same time leave a positive message. Maybe because it’s set in one of the hotspots of LGBT rights and a very liberal part of the US. I gather that if it was set in the deep south, it would have been a very different story.
This second edition added some scenes that were deleted in the original version because of printing costs. Ms. Kallmaker tells the background story surrounding the first and second editions of this novel in her notes and she also describes the hardships of being gay in the past. Unfortunately, these notes, present at the beginning of the ebook version, are missing in the audiobook. I really recommend you to read them, it’s a great tribute to the people who fought for gay rights so we can now enjoy the freedom to express who we are.
Back to the plot, as both mains came out at different times, it shows the contrasting experiences and how they affected each woman’s approach to relationships. I loved how Ms. Kallmaker describes the strict notion of butch/femme roles within the lesbian community in the 1950s and 60s and how these stereotypes start to blur a few decades after. It gives a good historical perspective of what it was like to be a lesbian for those generations and how luckily things have changed for most of us.
The romance itself is sweet and the chemistry between the mains is good. This is Karin Kallmaker’s second novel and considering that she has now written more than thirty, the characters’ chemistry isn’t as strong as in her later works but it’s still fine.
This novel has a sequel called Watermark which was written nine years later. The author suggests on her website that readers should allow a lapse of time between the two novels. Watermark hasn’t been released on audiobook yet.
Angela Dawe is the narrator and is the perfect choice to do this novel justice. As usual, her performance is full of emotion and elevates the story to its full potential. Highly recommended for all lovers of age gap romances. 4.5 stars.
Length: 7 hours, 48 minutes
Available in Scribd -
I've come to the same conclusion as Bib, this is "An enjoyable May-December lesbian romance."
Rayann, a 30-something wood sculptor, is viciously betrayed by her girlfriend. She runs away and finds refuge in the upper apartment of a woman who runs a small bookstore. The woman is old enough to be her mother, but Rayann feels strangely attracted to her. Is she just on the rebound? Is she just starved for intimacy? Or is it something more? Trouble is, how does Rayann find out? Not only is the age gap huge, the woman may not even be a lesbian.
Most of the book is seen from Rayann's point of view, so our perception of her landlady Louisa is seen only through her eyes.
This book is very well written, but because of all the stuff I listed above I didn't really get into the characters and their relationship. It is quite highly rated though, so maybe it's just me. There is an interesting discussion of butch/femme dynamics and roles in the 70s lesbian community and how people tried or struggled to fit into it, sometimes against their nature. The intimate scenes are very well done and I loved the bookstore that served as the setting of the book. It was almost like a character. :)
4 stars -
I recently read the 30th anniversary version of this book. This is often regarded as a classic in lesbian literature, and I hadn't read it before so I decided to give it a go when I saw the anniversary edition avaliable. Plus I've enjoyed several of Kallmaker's books from the 21st century too.
Touchwood follows Rayann Germaine after recently finding her lover of many years cheating on her, she runs from that relationship without much plan and finds herself working and living with Louisa Thatcher- who owns a small bookshop in San Francisco. Over months of living and working together, Rayann finds herself falling for Louisa, but Louisa has her hangups about a relationship as she isn't out to her son.
I really enjoyed this book. There are a lot of emotions displayed about a great number of issues, ranging from angst over the two main characters' wanting to be together, Louisa's fear over her son, Rayann having issues with her own mother, and more. As someone who reads for emotion and character this book was a fun experience.
Seeing this book set in the 90s was really interesting as well. It's not really a period piece per say as it was written for its time, but reading it in 2022 feels like a really well constructed period piece. And I've come to enjoy that time period quite a bit. So I really liked seeing lesbian culture in the 90s displayed. I found it really interesting how there were a lot of references to butch/femme relationships being the norm in the 50s, still very butch/femm in the 90s but lessening, and compared to a lack of rules and norms for today. And nothing at all against butch femme relationships (I'm in one lol) but seeing those norms displayed against todays lesbian culture was interesting to me.
Reading this book in a lot of ways reminds me of
Annie on My Mind by Nancy Garden. Really groundbreaking books for their time, and absolutely paved the way for future lesbian books. When I reread Annie last year I could think of many YA books that I enjoyed more, but when that book came out in the 80s it was groundbreaking. And Even though Touchwood came out in 1990, I see it in a similar light. Reading it in 2022 I can objectively think of some age gap romances I've enjoyed more, but I wonder where the genre of lesfic would be if this book didn't come out when it did or be as good as it was. 5/5 legacy score. -
Ohhhh the nostalgia I felt listening to this wonderful classic! When I was a very young lesbian, the only way to find lesfic was by traveling to one of the gay and lesbian bookstores sprinkled throughout the United States. There wasn't the opportunity to go on Goodreads to read a review to determine if a book might be something you were interested in or order one on Amazon. In my case, I would drive four hours to enjoy a weekend in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and couldn't wait to peruse the bookshelves of my favorite gay and lesbian bookstore to stock up on books that would have to sustain me until my next trip. The only thing to go by was the description on the back of the book or perhaps a recommendation of a bookshop employee. Each book was a unique treasure of representation that so rarely existed outside of those books.
One of the books I picked up then was Touchwood. It was my first experience with an age gap romance - and a significant one at that. At the time I was younger than Rayann so related to it from her perspective. Thirty years later, it's very interesting to revisit it more from the eyes of Louisa.
It really is a blast from the past in so many ways. Back when the hot new computer was a MacIntosh (not a Mac), that used floppy disks. When you could run a bookstore without a computer. Rayann, at age 29, is a lover of classic movies and refers to them often. Many young readers may not recognize those references unless they love classics themselves. Back when society was beginning to change for the better for gays and lesbians, but for those in Louisa's age group, theirs was a much different experience and spilled over into their current lives.
I say this so people will know what to expect and I hope younger lesbians will give this a read. In this case, listen. It's our "herstory." A snapshot of life in 1991. It reminds some of us and teaches others what it was like for those that came before us.
For those that didn't buy the 30th edition novel, I suggest you do because Karin's introductory thoughts looking back on the work are insightful. Additionally, there are restored scenes and passages that were cut from the original.
This verrrrry slow burn romance is honest, beautiful and yes - sexy.
As for the narration - wow. What a dream to have Angela Dawe narrate this book! When I heard her deep, nearly sultry Louisa voice, I almost slid off my chair. And I was THRILLED to hear her interpretation of a significant secondary character, Zoraida, who is Hispanic. One of the things that drives me insane is when there is a character in a novel who is Hispanic and the narrator can't pronounce the words that they speak in Spanish. Considering it's the second most commonly used language in the United States, you would think a narrator could work on getting that right. Dawe absolutely nails it. Every time I think I can't possibly admire her skills more than I do, she blows me away yet again. As the greatest ones do, she elevates the experience of this already wonderful book.
Is this book dated? Yes. Should that stop you from listening to it? No. It's a snapshot in time of those that came before us whose sacrifices and actions resulted in the freedoms and rights we have now. These stories matter. And as romances go, it's so very affecting and thought-provoking. -
May and December have never been so lovely. Beautiful, extremely moving and just plain wonderful, Touchwood is the kind of story that is both deep and mature and makes you wish you could find someone like Louisa in real life.
It can be a bit frustrating at times when Louisa and Rayann fail to effectively communicate with each other, especially in the beginning, but it's also 100% believable.
As a complete softie for May/December romances, I love the dynamics between the two main characters and how much each woman cares for the other. Even the love scenes are nicer and more touching than in most lesfic: "You have my heart and just about every inch of my body.” Rayann smiled slightly. “I think the little toe on my left foot is the only part of me you haven’t left an indelible impression on.” -
I loved it when I read it and I was over the moon with Angela Dawe narrating it. The story holds a special place in my heart because it was the first age gap romance I read. Rayann and Louisa had the same 27 year gap that wife and I had. Their story is just as powerful today as it was back then. If you haven’t read it then you really need to.
-
I am utterly in love with Louisa. So, hearing her voiced by Angela Dawe??? Perfection.
Kallmaker wrote Touchwood to include critiques of lesbian culture and notions of gender and sexual identity. For that reason, this book has stood the test of time better than some other “classic” lesfic, in my opinion.
Fantastic story 5 stars -
I love Karin's writing style. TOUCHWOOD is a sample of the depth of her characters - and of course some spice.
-
Fantastic read.
Understand now why this book is in so many people's top 10. -
An enjoyable May-December lesbian romance.
-
This story originally written in 1991 gives me the reality that in that time it was very difficult to be who you want to be. The story got to me.
-
This listen was a step back in time for me; back to a time when I was freshly out and proud and coming to terms with everything that meant for my life. I remember making the same assumptions about (and having the same frustrations with) the older generation of lesbians I came into contact with as Rayann did with Louisa. I too had to be educated as to why they made the life choices they did and learn to respect and appreciate the way their lives made things easier for my generation.
I also remember the joy of finding reflections of myself in the tiny amount of reading material with lesbian characters I could find and treasuring those establishments that carried the books, so the bookstore in this story held as much allure and nostalgia for me as the rest of the story did.
Angela Dawe narrating was an extra treat and leant the story more of an emotional punch than I would have gotten from reading the eBook. She does an excellent job of supplying the tone and expressiveness the author intended in each character’s dialog and I am sure makes a couple of the characters (Rayann’s mom and Dani) more palatable and three dimensional than my reading would have and takes one character’s (Zoraida) sexiness to the stratosphere.
Overall, a very enjoyable listen and something I could see myself returning to from time to time. And this audiobook cover - just lovely and perfect for the story. -
• Touchwood
• Karin Kallmaker
• 30 year Anniversary
• Audio – Angela Dawe
• MC Rayann Germaine & Louisa
• Age-Gap
Classic love story. Rayann is devastated when she discovers her
girlfriend is having an affair, in the very home they share. Rayann is devastated and runs to her mom’s house. Unfortunately, Rayann’s mom is not the warm and accepting type.
After picking up her belongings from her ex’s house, Rayann decides that she would rather go to a woman’s shelter than go back to her mom’s house.
Lousia, a woman in her 50’s, stops by the shelter to drop off a flyer for a room she has for rent. She runs into Rayann. (I love when two people meet at the right time) Rayann was losing hope with her current situation. Louisa gave her hope when she offered her a place to live and a part time job at the book shop she owned.
Rayann and Louisa get to know each other, as Rayann helps her redo her book shop. Feelings start to develop for the pair. Louisa introduces Rayann to her grandson and son.
Rayann is a kind soul who wants love and understanding.
Louisa is apprehensive due to having to hide who she really was in her past.
A very beautiful side story in this book, was Hazel and Greta. A wonderful older couple who would visit the book shop. Rayann got to know these two lovely ladies and their story. They were not able to be openly gay, and had to pose as sisters due to the harsh discrimination at the time. I feel this opened Rayanns eyes to the things that Louisa had to go through. It helped her understand Lousia on a deeper level.
This story really shines a light on how hard times were for all LGBTQ 🏳️🌈 plus
Community. And how much progress has been made. Love Wins! It is inspirational and should push us to keep progressing.
This is a beautiful love story you don’t want to miss.
The author did a amazing job showing you how times have change and love can conquer all.
Narrator Angela Dawe is simply amazing!! -
5 Huge stars for the audiobook narrated by Angela Dawe.
Beautifully written age gap love story set in a book store in the eighties. Pushed every nostalgic button I have, and was really everything I want in a good lesbian romance. Indulge and enjoy! -
Age is a state of mind.
-
My favorite Karin Kallmaker book so far.
-
A very sweet May-December romance. The story felt a little dated with the mention of diskettes, yikes!
-
Wonderful book. I love anything by Karin Kallmaker.
-
Reading this book gave me the same feeling as watching the movie Carol. It's old, beautiful and easy-going, and quite educational too since the older woman was an activist back in her days.
But I have to say the slow-burn romance was only lukewarm. I didn't buy Rayann's romantic feeling toward Louisa since it read more like a physical attraction, plus the narration kept repeating how the two women had almost nothing in common. I also found Louisa very reserved and not as interesting as Rayann's narrative voice suggested. What bothered me was
There was another character who was introduced as a foil to Louisa, and her relationship with Rayann was much better and hotter. -
This has been on my radar for quite some time, but I never got around to reading it.
I loved it. The writing was excellent. It wasn't over-the-top descriptive, but was easy to read and the language used was eloquent and beautiful. The characters were strong on their own, and great together. Perhaps just a few more interactions would have made me understand their attraction more? I'm not even sold that it needed that. It was refreshing to read an age-gap story where the older woman wasn't also an ice queen, and the power dynamic wasn't put forth as the main attraction.
I think Kallmaker did a great job juxtaposing an older lesbian who came of age during a time where being gay was just awful, with a younger one, who came of age when things were starting to get better. I'm not normally a huge fan of LGBT history based novels (I'm a bad queer, as they make me depressed), but this one touched on some issues just enough.
I'll definitely read this again! -
Mitigé
Une histoire bien écrite avec de petites scènes d’amour érotique qui auraient pu être beaucoup plus détaillées. Les personnages sont assez touchants surtout Louisa. Un roman a l’eau de rose qui peut plaire à tous les fans de Harlequin. Je n’ais pas aimé la fin qui est incohérente. Une suite serait souhaitable car beaucoup de sujets restent en suspens. -
Wonderful book. My rating should have been 4.5 stars actually, loved the mode of writing and the complexities of in play with partners with an age gap as well as the social concerns of homosexuality. Great read, the author hardly ever dissapoints
-
Queer culture really has changed quite dramatically over the last 20 years and that never rings truer than when reading this book. Unfortunately, it feels very dated and I think that caused a disconnect for me as a reader from the terminology, slang and general characterisation of the novel.
-
4.5 Strong story, I love how Kallmaker tells stories with important themes. Although I was born after times likes this, I can appreciate and feel the emotional journey the characters experience and how difficult it was for women back then to be open about love.
