Women in the Shadows
First edition cover
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| Author | Ann Bannon |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Series | The Beebo Brinker Chronicles |
| Genre | Lesbian pulp fiction |
| Publisher | Gold Medal Books |
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Publication date
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1959 |
| Media type | Print (Paperback) |
| ISBN | (2002 edition) |
| OCLC | 1502288 (2002 edition) |
| 813/.54 22 | |
| LC Class | PS3552.A495 W66 2002 |
| Preceded by | I Am a Woman |
| Followed by | Journey to a Woman |
Cleis Press edition cover
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| Author | Ann Bannon |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Publisher | Cleis Press |
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Publication date
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2002 |
| Media type | Paperback |
Women in the Shadows is a lesbian pulp fiction novel written in 1959 by Ann Bannon (pseudonym of Ann Weldy). It is the third in a series of pulp fiction novels that eventually came to be known as The Beebo Brinker Chronicles. It was originally published in 1959 by Gold Medal Books, again in 1983 by Naiad Press, and again in 2002 by Cleis Press. Each edition was adorned with a different cover.
This book proved to be Bannon's most controversial and unpopular of the series, blurring lines between heroes and villains, especially on the tail of the triumphant and groundbreaking end of I Am a Woman. Bannon stated that the subject matter paralleled Bannon's own frustrations in her marriage. The content also focused on then-whispered of topics such as interracial relationships, domestic violence, and self-loathing in matters of race and sexuality.
As Bannon explained in the 2001 edition forward of the first book in the series, Odd Girl Out, Gold Medal Books publishers had control over the cover art and the title. Bannon's publisher titled the book. Lesbian pulp fiction books usually showed suggestive art with obscure titles that hinted at what the subject matter was inside.
Laura Landon has been living with her lover, a tough and strikingly handsome butch named Beebo Brinker for two years. Their relationship has deteriorated and both are frustrated, even after a party for their anniversary where Beebo remarks that hardly any couples make it together for as long as they have. The chapters begin with Laura's diary entries asking herself why they all drink and fall into relationships they know will be ruined. Their mutual friend Jack Mann watches as Beebo descends into alcoholism and Laura becomes interested in another woman.
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