Staying the Distance

Grown-up lesbians finally have a novel about girls and horses they can call their own. This literate, lovable western is by Franci McMahon. This first novel is a thoroughly escapist adventure and romance on horseback. Sort of a twist on Thelma and Louise set in the high prairies of Montana, it is a guiltless, pleasurable, albeit incredible story about one renegade, Rachel, who all too suddenly trusts another one, a veterinarian from "out east" named Margaret. Abandoning years and years of denial, Rachel becomes intimately involved with Margaret. Though her transformation comes about too quickly, it doesn't get in the way of the book's spirit and adventure. There is lots of drama as Rachel tests her mettle in the long-distance Tevis Cup race. McMahon writes the love scenes convincingly and sensitively, and she beautifully describes the Montana landscape. Despite her tendency to write overly long, awkward sentences, the author has lots of talent. An enjoyable book, particularly for horse enthusiasts, that belongs in public libraries. Lisa Nussbaum, Euclid P.L., Ohio Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. -- This text refers to the Paperback edition.