Literary Lesbians

A small but very vocal group met to discuss Rubyfruit Jungle, promoted as "Sam's Favourite Book of the Year"!

Tina also loved the book - she could read it on a beach, and not even go for a swim, it was so good! Sam read it on a plane in one go. So did Rosie.

Strangely, discussion began not with the heroine of the story, Molly, but with her closeted friend Leroy and his coming out 'issues'. Tina felt sorry for Leroy. He was boyish and didn't have the charms of Molly. He feared what others would think of him (if he came out). He doesn't want to go against the grain. Jude said she thought he was just a bit slow. In comparison, Molly's intellect allowed her to go against the grain and be her true self. Leroy did not have the inner resiliance. Jude revealed that the first girl she kissed is now married (like Leroy).

Sam said that she liked the character of Molly so much that she would have named her dog after her if she had read the book in time. (Note: Sam's dog's name is Corky, named after Gina Gershon's character in that terrible movie Bound).

There was some discussion about the ending and whether or not it was disappointing. Some thought that it was good because it didn't 'sell out' with a happy-ever-after. Others thought it was a bit depressing.

[I guess the debate here got a little heated between Sam and Rosie, as the notes read: "Boxing gloves on: Sam in the red corner, Rosie in the blue. Ding Ding!" Very funny girls!]

Tina liked the movie that Molly made and the 'loud silence' that was the reaction when her movie was shown.

We discussed the fact that the book is based loosely on the author, Rita Mae Brown's own life - we wondered whether she didn't end up making 'the' movie, so wrote the book instead. We all thought that Rubyfruit Jungle would make a terrific movie - but who would we cast as the lead role?

Sam could relate to the way Molly just did her own thing. Rosie thought that Molly was too idealistic in her integrity. Sam and Rosie entered into a heated discussion (sigh...) about whether or not Molly / Sam / Rosie was 'integrated'. Rosie and Sam at least agreed that Molly didn't want to be a man (see previous entry about Well of Loneliness).

Tina thought that the salsa music on in the background sucked.

We discussed how Molly was often emotionless as a way of protecting herself.

Tina likes small thin books with big (fat) print.

Rosie and Sam argue about whether there is a difference between being "integrated" and being "tolerated". Sam says that Rosie is so integrated that she not actually gay. Tina says "well she f...'s like she is". Laughter all round. Discussion about whether Molly could have been more integrated. Ange says she tried. Discussion about whether Molly's identity was founded in her sexuality. "Society says yes, Molly says no."

Discussion disintegrates and we refer to the very useful SparkNotes on the book. We crack up at the quote about the drainpipes in the book symbolising the vagina.

Thanks Ange for very interesting transcribing this month.