BookBuff Introduction

The first lesbian book I read was "Desert of the Heart" by Jane Rule. I special-ordered it from W.H. Smiths and I remember anxiously awaiting the day I was told that it would arrive. The thrill of owning the book, even before I read it, was when I first really knew I was gay. I took it home and I think I polished it off in one night.

I read the book several times, then I became so scared that my Mum would find it that I hid it deep within the sliding door storage compartment of my bed, firmly wedged under a wooden plank, well out of site. I don’t ever remember digging it out of its hiding place. So, I can only assume that some unsuspecting girl or boy has my little childhood secret close at hand - apparently my Mother sold the bed when I left home. I like to think of it as still being there but, realistically, I probably got a little girl or boy in a bit of trouble! Or, who knows, maybe I saved them the trouble.

My next revelation - in gay or straight novels, well, to be honest, in life - came much later, in the form of Jeanette Winterson. If you’ve not read any of her works, shame on you! I’ll warn you, I’m extremely biased in her favor but will try to contain myself when recommending her work. If you don’t know about her website, I would definitely check it out (www.jeanettewinterson.com). It’s updated regularly and is a fan’s dream.

Within the last few years, especially after stumbling across Sarah Waters - who, in my opinion has set a new standard in lesbian fiction - I have tried hard to find more lesbian novels. I will try and share with you everything that I have enjoyed and found interesting and hope you will do the same by contacting me with your recommendations.

Read her reviews of "Tipping the Velvet" by Sarah Waters, "Affinity" by Sarah Waters and "Fingersmith" by Sarah Waters.

You can contact BookBuff at bookbuff@dcdykes.com.

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