These queer age-gap relationships hold a lasting fascination-three of these titles were made into blockbuster films within the last decade.

There is a risk and a discomfort to these age-imbalanced relationships (which appear in literature about young gay men as well- Call Me by Your Name, anyone?). Patricia Highsmith’s The Price of Salt comes immediately to mind, of course, as do more recent classics like Mariko and Jillian Tamaki’s hit graphic novel Skim and, though the age gap involved is smaller, Julie Maroh’s Blue Is the Warmest Colour. “It’s odd that there’s so much more to you than there is to me Compared to you, I think about almost nothing.” The uncertain young lesbian is a common and often compelling character in fiction, especially when her uncertainty and need for validation lead her to enter into a relationship with an older, more experienced woman. Thank you to Netgalley and Algonquin Books for the free advanced copy.“I think it’s odd that you like me,” Natalie, the 18-year-old protagonist of The Adult tells Nora, her 30-something lover. I will definitely read more from Bronwyn Fisher. I truly didn’t want her to be brokenhearted because I didn’t know if she would be strong enough to recover! Although Nora seems authentic with her feelings towards Natalie at first, we (and Natalie) soon begin to suspect that there is more to Nora than meets the eye.Įven though I figured out Nora’s secret before Natalie did (I think we are meant to), I dreaded waiting and watching how Natalie would react. New information, new perspectives, new friends, new loves, new new new…which all ends up so confusing for someone like Natalie, who second guesses everything she says and everything she does.Įarly in the novel, Natalie meets Nora, an older woman with whom she starts a romantic relationship.

She is off to university, and all the “things” university entails. Natalie is an 18-year-old young woman who is moving away from home for the first time. I cared so much for Natalie! I could have very easily found her insecurities and naivety annoying, but instead, I found myself rooting for her in the hope that she would become stronger and more self-confident. I cannot remember the last time I felt so connected to the thoughts and emotions of a character.

Bronwyn Fisher is a master of first-person narration.

The adult bronwyn fischer