The Big Book of Lesbian Horse Stories is more than just an anthology; it’s a vibrant tapestry of tales that explores the intersection of female desire, equestrian passion, and the nostalgic charm of pulp fiction. For anyone seeking a summary, it’s essential to understand that this isn’t a single narrative but a collection of short stories, each offering a unique window into a world where women and horses share a powerful, unbreakable bond. Edited by Alisa Surkis and Monica Nolan, the book serves as a heartfelt, humorous, and often campy homage to a very specific niche: the timeless connection between girls and their equine companions, reimagined through a queer lens.
The collection deliberately evokes the style of mid-20th-century pulp novels, complete with dramatic plotlines, earnest heroines, and a palpable sense of adventure. However, unlike the often-tragic lesbian pulp fiction of the past, these stories celebrate queer love and identity. The narratives are set against rustic backdrops—ranches, stables, and racetracks—where the outside world and its judgments seem to fade away, allowing the characters the freedom to explore their true selves. This book isn’t about lesbian horses, but about lesbians who love horses, and how that love shapes their lives and relationships.
What Are the Core Themes of the Stories?
To truly provide a summary of The Big Book of Lesbian Horse Stories, one must look at the recurring themes that tie the diverse collection together. These ideas go beyond simple romance and create a rich, layered reading experience.
The Horse as a Symbol of Freedom and Power
Throughout the anthology, horses are not just pets or background elements; they are central figures that symbolize freedom, untamed spirit, and raw power. For many of the female characters, their connection with their horse is the most honest and empowering relationship in their lives. Riding a horse offers an escape from societal constraints and expectations. This bond often serves as a catalyst for the characters’ own self-discovery and acceptance of their desires, mirroring the untamable nature of the animals they adore.
Exploring Identity and First Love
Many of the stories are coming-of-age tales. They capture the awkward, thrilling, and often confusing moments of discovering one’s identity and experiencing a first same-sex attraction. The “horse girl” trope is cleverly intertwined with the journey of queer self-realization. The stables, pastures, and riding trails become safe havens where young women can be themselves, away from the prying eyes of a heteronormative world. The love for horses and the love for another woman are often presented as two inseparable parts of the same authentic self.
As described by the editors, the book invites readers “back into the curves of third-sex pulp fiction where odd-girls-out now ride as free as a filly with their Bohemian desires—side-saddle be damned.”
A World Without the Male Gaze
One of the most refreshing aspects of the collection is its near-total focus on female experiences and relationships. Men are largely absent, and when they do appear, they are peripheral figures. This allows the stories to exist entirely outside the male gaze, creating spaces imagined and defined by women. The narratives explore female camaraderie, rivalry, mentorship, and romance in environments like all-women camps and ranches, presenting a kind of feminist utopia where women’s lives and passions are the central driving force.
What is the Writing Style Like?
The tone of The Big Book of Lesbian Horse Stories is a masterful blend of sincerity and camp. The authors lean into the dramatic, sometimes over-the-top style of classic pulp fiction, resulting in a read that is both fun and emotionally resonant. You’ll find:
- Nostalgic Language: The prose is filled with earnest descriptions and snappy dialogue reminiscent of 1950s dime novels.
- Wry Humor: The book is self-aware and doesn’t take itself too seriously. It’s filled with delightful horse puns and humorous situations that poke gentle fun at the tropes it employs.
- Genuine Emotion: Beneath the campy exterior, the stories are grounded in real emotions. The characters’ love for their horses and each other is portrayed with warmth and sincerity, making their journeys relatable.
Stories range from a tale of a dissatisfied housewife finding freedom in a women’s-only camp to a competitive show jumper tempted by a rival, and even a farm girl coming of age during World War I. Each story offers a different flavor, but all contribute to the collection’s unique and charming character.
Why Does This Book Resonate with Readers?
The enduring appeal of The Big Book of Lesbian Horse Stories lies in its ability to speak to a deeply felt, yet often unspoken, cultural connection. The “horse girl” phase that many young women experience is a period of intense passion, dedication, and emotional investment. This anthology validates that experience and beautifully merges it with the journey of queer discovery.
It provides a sense of representation and belonging for readers who may have seen themselves in either the “horse lover” or “lesbian” identity, but rarely both at once. By creating a world where these two facets are not just compatible but intrinsically linked, the book offers a joyful and affirming narrative. It’s a celebration of niche interests, a loving nod to a bygone literary style, and a timeless collection of stories about finding your herd—both human and equine. Ultimately, this summary of The Big Book of Lesbian Horse Stories is a summary of freedom: the freedom to love who you love, to pursue your passions without reservation, and to ride off into the sunset on your own terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “The Big Book of Lesbian Horse Stories” a single novel?
No, it is not a single novel. It is an anthology, which is a collection of standalone short stories written by various authors but compiled by editors Alisa Surkis and Monica Nolan. Each story has its own characters and plot.
What genre does the book belong to?
The book primarily belongs to the genre of LGBTQ+ fiction, specifically lesbian fiction. It heavily incorporates elements of pulp fiction, romance, and adventure, all centered around an equestrian theme.
Do you need to be a horse lover to enjoy the book?
While a love for horses certainly enhances the experience, it is not a prerequisite. The stories are fundamentally about human connection, self-discovery, and love. The equestrian setting provides a unique and symbolic backdrop for these universal themes.
Is the book appropriate for all ages?
The book is intended for an adult audience. It emulates the style of pulp fiction, which often includes mature themes, romantic situations, and dramatic conflict that may not be suitable for younger readers.
What is the overall tone of the collection?
The tone is a unique mix of sincerity, humor, and camp. It pays homage to 1950s pulp fiction with a self-aware, often dramatic flair, but it also treats its characters’ emotional journeys with genuine warmth and respect.
