Carol

Patricia Highsmith's story of romantic obsession may be one of the most

important, but still largely unrecognized, novels of the twentieth century.

First published in 1952 and touted as "the novel of a love that society

forbids," the book soon became a cult classic.

Based on a true story plucked from Highsmith's own life, _Carol_ tells the

riveting drama of Therese Belivet, a stage designer trapped in a department-

store day job, whose routine is forever shattered by a gorgeous epiphany—the

appearance of Carol Aird, a customer who comes in to buy her daughter a

Christmas toy. Therese begins to gravitate toward the alluring suburban

housewife, who is trapped in a marriage as stultifying as Therese's job. They

fall in love and set out across the United States, ensnared by society's

confines and the imminent disapproval of others, yet propelled by their

infatuation. Carol is a brilliantly written story that may surprise Highsmith

fans and will delight those discovering her work.

This authorized edition includes an afterword by Patricia Highsmith.

Previously titled _The Price of Salt_.