Kate Stevens loves her husband, Harry, and their baby daughter, Cam. But a girl called Valery St. John exists within Kate, an alter-ego of verve and daring that has long yearned for adventure, lust and grief - in male terms. It takes a chance encounter with a beautiful, charismatic artist named Margo, to bring Valery, and the alternative lifestyle she represents, to the fore. Kate's ensuing affair with the lesbian painter prompts a personal transformation, and proves a crucible for the relationship between herself and Harry. When Joan Hawkins' debut novel was first published by GP Putnam in 1974, it was ahead of its time. Set in the turbulent days of the early 1970s, it explores a young woman's journey of discovery as she finds herself at a personal crossroads in a period of massive social and cultural change. Themes of sexual exploration, gender identity, feminism and rebellion blend with a satirical take on the crumbling old order. The gray suits of tradition are being challenged by student protests, racial integration and the emergence of women in the workplace. Re-published in 2014 on its 40th anniversary, and with a new electronic edition now available in 2022, Underwater still bristles with passion
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Sprache
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ISBN-13
978-1-9162975-7-9 (9781916297579)
Schweitzer Klassifikation
Joan Hawkins was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts. She attended Bennington College and New York University. She lived most of her life in Manhattan, where she practised psychotherapy. Her debut novel, Underwater, was published by GP Putnam in 1974. The book was critically acclaimed, challenging traditional gender roles and exploring controversial issues of the day. The second edition of Underwater was published on its fortieth anniversary by Landon Books in 2014. The author's second novel, Bailey (2012), explores themes of addiction and childhood trauma. Trespass (2013), is a fascinating portrait of a moribund, spirited woman living joyously to the end. Her fourth work, Rematch (2021), set in the early eighties, is a prescient take on corporate sexual discrimination. Joan's fifth title, the political drama Family Money, was published in 2022 by 451 Editions along with this electronic edition of Underwater. For more, see: www.JoanHawkins.net
