A PLACE FOR US

In Grayhall’s novel, an American woman and an Englishwoman fight to rekindle their relationship when their home countries won’t recognize them as a couple.

It’s 1981, and Lauren, who has an office job at the North London Council, and Jo, an environmental attorney,meet by chance in a Central London pub and form an instant romantic connection. Lauren, who’s English, has never been with a woman before, and Jo,who’s American, is struggling in a relationship with a closeted girlfriend back in the States. After the pair take two whirlwind trips to visit each other in their home countries, Jo becomes intimidated by the obstacles she sees standing in their way and breaks it off, leaving Lauren devastated. More than 20 years later, Lauren, now living in Paris, makes plans with her volatile girlfriend, Delphine, to visit the San Francisco area. They stay with Jo, with whom Lauren has remained in touch, and her girlfriend, Brenda. Despite the years that have passed, Lauren and Jo find that there’s still a spark. After leaving their respective bad relationships, the two women decide to commit to a life together, and Lauren moves to America. However, since the United States still doesn’t legally recognize same-sex couples, the women face numerous obstacles preventing them from immigrating, keeping their jobs, and building a life together. Grayhall presents a poignant, emotionally satisfying story of a couple fighting for a second chance at love despite a legal framework that’s set against them. Some of the characters’ discussions of political issues tend to feel didactic: “I’ve never been straight. That’s why this is so hard. We don’t have the same rights as other citizens of our countries.” However, by the time such conversations get going, Jo and Lauren’s relationship is well developed enough that it isn’t too distracting. The author does an excellent job depicting the political environment of post 9/11 America, always understanding that political strife is best depicted by filtering it through her main characters’ personal lives. Throughout, Jo and Lauren’s compelling story make them easy to root for.

A moving, triumphant celebration of love.