An Emergence of Green
In the 1980s, the politics of feminism were just beginning to gain mainstream awareness. In An Emergence of Green, one of the best-selling lesbian novels of all time, an unplanned encounter between trophy wife Carolyn Blake and her new neighbor-tall, athletic artist Val Hunter-leads to a close friendship and deepening emotions that young Carolyn has never known. Suddenly, Carolyn's carefully manicured domestic life seems unfulfilling and much less colorful. And her husband's love for her seems contrived and condescending, as if it's not the real Carolyn he loves at all. Like so many American businessmen in the 1980s, Paul Blake thinks a wife should be docile, placid, and dedicated to pleasing her husband and impressing his friends. His tenderness turns to rage, his caresses to blows. Yet An Emergence of Green is nothing if not hopeful. This is Carolyn's story-a story of emerging independence, expanding self-awareness, and awakening sexuality.