A parent might reach for this book when their teen is navigating an intensely close friendship that is causing confusion or attracting judgment from peers. Set in the 1970s, "Hey, Dollface" tells the story of Val and Chloe, two 15-year-olds at boarding school whose deep, affectionate friendship becomes the subject of rumors. The girls are forced to examine their feelings for each other and confront the social stigma surrounding same-sex love. This classic novel gently explores themes of identity, loyalty, and the anxiety of being different. It is a valuable starting point for conversations about the nature of love, friendship, and societal pressure, especially for teens questioning their own feelings or identity.
Published in 1978, social attitudes and language around sexuality are dated.
Sensitive Topics
The central topic is the exploration of sexual identity and the social stigma of homosexuality, particularly in the 1970s. The approach is direct in that the characters are confronted with the label "lesbian," but their internal processing is filled with the confusion and fear characteristic of the era. The story is secular. The resolution is emotionally realistic and hopeful, prioritizing the strength and love within their friendship above any specific label, leaving the romantic aspect ambiguous.
Ideal Reader
A thoughtful teen, aged 14-17, who is experiencing an emotionally intense friendship and may be confused by their feelings or by the reactions of others. It's also for a reader who is questioning their own sexuality and looking for a gentle, character-driven story rather than a modern, confident coming-out narrative.
Parent Prep
Parents should be prepared for the book's 1978 context. The language and societal attitudes toward homosexuality are dated. The fear and shame the characters feel are palpable and reflect a less accepting time. A brief conversation about this historical context can help a modern teen understand the characters' anxieties. The book can otherwise be read cold, as its emotional core is timeless. A parent notices their teen has become withdrawn or anxious about a very close friendship. The parent might overhear their child worrying about what others think of them and their best friend, or expressing confusion about the line between platonic and romantic feelings.
Age Experience
A younger teen (14-15) will likely connect most with the themes of intense friendship, the injustice of bullying, and the feeling of being an outsider. An older teen (16-18) is more likely to appreciate the historical context, the psychological nuance of questioning one's identity, and the ambiguity of the ending as a sophisticated narrative choice.
What Makes It Special
Published in 1978, this book is a landmark in early LGBTQ+ YA literature. Unlike many contemporary queer romances, its primary focus is on the emotional confusion and social pressure *before* a clear identity is formed. Its gentleness, ambiguity, and powerful validation of deep female friendship (regardless of its romantic nature) make it a unique and historically significant read.
Read plot summary
At a girls' boarding school, 15-year-old Val finds a kindred spirit in her classmate Chloe. Their friendship is immediate, intense, and deeply affectionate. They become inseparable, sharing inside jokes and physical closeness that feels entirely natural to them. However, their bond is misinterpreted by other students, who begin to bully them with homophobic taunts. This external pressure forces Val and Chloe to confront the nature of their own relationship, question their identities, and navigate the fear and confusion stirred up by the accusations.
This overview was generated by AI based on the book's content and reviews, and may not capture every nuance.
Discussion Prompts
1
When other students start calling them names, Val's first reaction is fear and denial. Why do you think she is more scared of the label than she is of her actual feelings for Chloe?
2
Chloe and Val's friendship is very physically affectionate. How do you think the boarding school setting made it both easier for their friendship to blossom and harder for them to deal with the rumors?
3
The author doesn't give a clear answer at the end about whether Val and Chloe's relationship will become romantic. Why do you think she made this choice? Does it make the story feel more or less satisfying?
4
Compare the way the girls' friendship is treated in the 1970s setting of the book to how a similar friendship might be seen by high schoolers today. What has changed, and what has stayed the same?
