del-Out of Time

by Paula Martinac

Book Overview

A handsomely repackaged version of an award-winning debut novel that won the 1990 Lambda Literary Award for Best Lesbian Fiction and was a Finalist for the American Library Association Gay and Lesbian Book Award.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0931188911
• ISBN13: 9780931188916
• Release Date: February 1993
• Publisher: Seal Press (CA)
• Length: 196 Pages
• Weight: 0.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.2" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

What a wonderful novel.

All I can say is what a wonderful book. I just called a friend and told her that I would be bringing her a book to read next time I saw her. I read it all today, feverishly bringing the book closer to my face hoping to consume the information and enter the world more completely. I was skeptical of a book about ghosts, but the characters are so real and you feel yourself as entrenched in the search for information about the lives of these four women from another time as the protagonist. Like Susan who is being cast into the world of the women she is researching you feel yourself plunged into her world unaware of the time passing as you read. This novel is beautifully written, leaving me with inspiration to discover more about history and however crudely, document some of my own.

a gem of a story on a shelf unlike any others

"Out of Time" is a beautiful story that delves into the past. Through an old photo album found in an antiques store, a woman begins a crusade to learn more about four women who lived in New York City long ago. While pursuing more information about these four women, Susan learns a lot about herself, and as a result, recognizes that her relationship is very much worthy of commitment. I found this story to be very real and written by a woman who is a gifted writer. She conveys the story, and alludes to many things. I like stories that do that rather than beat me over the head with what is obvious. This writing shows me the story, rather than tells me. This is one of those books that I will forever keep on my shelf and pull it out and read it like the first time.

Do You Believe in Ghosts?

When I first got my hands on this book I wasn't sure if I'd like it, so I put it on my bookshelf. One day, bored with the norm, I picked it up, started reading, and couldn't put it down. Martinac does a wonderful job hiding a relationship in "transition" within a touching story about lesbians from the past. It's hard for many people to believe, but we've been around since the dawn of time. I found it easy to get wrapped up in Susan's search for answers about "The Gang" while ghosts of Harriet and Lucy help Susan in her quest. This was not a typical lesbian romance, but I thoroughly enjoyed it all the same. Recommended for a rainy day, accompained with a cup of hot tea and lemon cookies.

The past comes alive

I was glad to see this book back in print, because it is delightfully written and cunningly put together. As Susan learns more about the past, she loses touch with the present. I think that has happened to everyone who has ever fallen in love with a picture or a story and wished they somehow knew how it all came out in the end. My only quibble is the unrealistic ending, but that was a small part of an otherwise inspired, unique novel.

couldn't put the book down -- what a great read!!

a friend told me about this book just this morning and the premise alone got me outside long enough to pick it up and spend the day reading. It reads so true-to-life, especially for those who have been haunted by other's pasts and sensitive enough hear them. Someone should consider making this novel a movie -- each scene is vivid and compelling -- thank you Paula Martinac