In the 1950s, fewer than 20% of American marriages ended in divorce. Though people had been getting divorced in the U.S. since the 1600s, it still felt like a relatively new notion — and one difficult to execute in much of the country. In Nevada, however, the law was a little more lenient — which made it the perfect state for so-called divorce ranches to spring up. The Golden Yarrow is one such ranch, and sits squarely at the center of Rowan Beaird’s new novel, The Divorcées.
Lois arrives at the ranch with little more than a desire to get through the six-week stay as quickly as possible. She quickly finds, though, that her ranchmates have different ideas about how to spend their circumstantial sabbatical. As the women let loose their hold on the tensions that bound them before, and as the casinos and local watering holes beckon under the hot sun and sultry nights, Lois is swept up.
And then Greer arrives. Greer immediately has everyone rapt. She’s mysterious and captivating, engaging and icy. Lois is hooked on her every word, her every mood, her every move. As their friendship begins to evolve, Greer’s hold on Lois tightens, and their apparent futures begin to merge. You’ll be rapt with wonder and dread as you wait to see: Will Lois bet the ranch on her partnership with Greer?
The Divorcées
by Rowan Beaird
Read an excerpt.
Woo-wee! The Divorcées is a whirlwind of a novel in the best way possible. Alongside the intrigue and mystery and atmosphere, there’s also a good amount of fun. These women certainly know how to make a good time happen, and with their sorority house shenanigans, you’ll be chuckling quietly to yourself at some of their antics. Indeed, this is a many-layered novel. To help corral your conversation, have a go at these discussion questions.
From pork roasts to Polish specialties, Golden Yarrow chef Anna is a wiz in the kitchen, cooking up perfect meals that delight the ranch’s guests. With her knack for turning out all of the comfort classics, we’re inspired to whip up this roast chicken with rosemary and lemon from Food & Wine. It’s a perfect centerpiece for an intimate dinner with a few of your book-loving friends.
If you’re in the mood for wine, we recommend you reach for this Red Newt Cellars Dry Riesling to pair with the chicken. To truly immerse yourself in the world of Lois and her divorcée peers, however, we encourage you to set to stirring up a classic gin and tonic. It’s a simple and sophisticated cocktail to keep in your recipe repertoire. And if you’re new to the world of gin, it’s a fabulous spirit to explore. (We suggest you start here, with this gorgeous guidebook.)
We asked author Rowan Beaird to share some insight into her inspiration for her novel. Click through to read what she shared.